The cost of cooking Christmas dinner has seen a significant rise of 44% over the past five years, according to the SNP. The Nationalists highlighted that in 2019, preparing an average sized turkey in a 2kWh oven would have cost £1.19. Fast forward to 2024, and the cost has escalated to £1.72. The SNP has pointed out that this substantial increase in electricity costs emphasises the importance of Scotland having autonomy over its own electricity resources.
SNP MSP Bob Doris expressed concern over the 44% surge in the cost of cooking a Christmas feast since 2019, attributing it to what he called Westminster’s mismanagement of Scotland’s abundant energy reserves. Doris stated that despite Scotland generating 15.5% of the UK’s electricity with only 8.2% of the UK’s population, Scots continue to face some of the highest energy bills in Europe due to mismanagement by Westminster. He criticised the Labour government for failing to deliver on their promise to reduce energy bills, which have instead increased by £470 since coming to power, with further hikes expected in January.
The figures provided were based on customers on a default tariff paying by direct debit to cook an average-sized turkey in a 2kWh oven for three and a half hours. The average direct debit variable unit price was 17p in 2019 and rose to 24.5p in 2024. A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson emphasised the impact of Britain’s reliance on global fossil fuel markets and emphasised the importance of transitioning to clean, homegrown energy to regain control over energy costs.
The spokesperson highlighted initiatives such as the £150 Warm Home Discount to support vulnerable households during winter. The SNP’s call for Scottish independence as a means to ensure fairer electricity prices that align with Scotland’s electricity surplus was reiterated. The SNP’s stance on the escalating cost of Christmas dinner sheds light on ongoing concerns over energy affordability and resource management in Scotland.