I am fully aware that energy bills are a big issue in the north and north-east of Scotland.
In recent years, the wholesale costs of energy have increased and this has become an even greater problem than ever.
That is why it’s right for the UK Government to take action through an announcement of a package of measures that will see average energy bills reduced by £50.
I do not pretend that this will solve the problems of high energy bills overnight.
There is not much that any government can do to bring down the global price of oil and gas, but it was important that it should do whatever it can to make a difference.
We are giving help to people to improve their homes, making them easier and cheaper to heat, ensuring consumers get the best deal available for them from their electricity supplier, and we are encouraging more competition in the energy market which will reduce energy bills.
Because we know that heating costs are particularly high in the north and north-east it makes sense that extra effort goes in to keeping bills down here.
For example, the Hydro Benefit Replacement Scheme saw an annual saving of £36 for electricity consumers in 2011-12 in sparsely populated areas. While there are similar schemes in place to help gas consumers in these parts of the Highlands and islands too.
We are also aware some groups need further support with energy bills.
That is why all pensioner householders up to the age of 79 will get a tax free winter fuel payment of £200 this year, rising to £300 for those over 80.
When temperatures drop, low-income households and people on certain welfare benefits will also get extra help with their heating costs.
We’ve made the cold weather payments permanent at £25 per payment.
Energy costs matter to me and I will continue to push energy companies to keep these costs down.
Alistair Carmichael is the Secretary of State for Scotland and MP for Orkney and Shetland
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