We've got the power to blow away sky-high energy bills

Zonal pricing is hailed as a cost-saving fix

- BY DAN VEVERS

PROPOSALS to give people living close to windfarms cheaper electricity could end fuel poverty in Scotland, according to a major energy company.

It comes after shock figures revealed more than two-fifths of Scots living in remote areas are in fuel poverty while thousands face crippling levels of energy debt.

Octopus Energy CEO Greg Jackson has claimed a zonal pricing system could give Scots the cheapest bills in Europe - with rural communities living near windfarms in line to benefit most.

The concept - already used in Norway, Sweden, New Zealand and Japan - sets prices regionally based on local supply and demand.

An Octopus Energy spokesman said: “The quickest way to cut bills and to alleviate fuel poverty is through zonal pricing.