Energy price hike set to bring cold winter to Scots.

The latest spike in energy bills takes effect today due to changes to the Ofgem price cap, with a 10% increase for the average household.

Back in August, the industry regulator set the energy price cap at £1717 for the average customer, an increase of 10% or around £12 per month on average.

Ofgem said at the time that the rise was largely due to higher wholesale gas prices and it urged bill-payers to “shop around” as there are fixed-rate deals on the market that could offer savings.

Citizens Advice Scotland’s energy spokesperson, Matthew Lee, expressed concerns about the impact of these rising energy costs on households in Scotland. He highlighted the coinciding changes to the eligibility rules for the Winter Fuel Payment, which will result in tens of thousands missing out on crucial support. Lee warned that many homes are now facing a cold, dark, and miserable winter ahead.

Lee urged for urgent reforms in the energy market, calling on both the UK and Scottish governments to review the support available for low-income households. He emphasised the need for energy companies to step up and offer social tariffs for those on low incomes, with the hope that this becomes a standard practice across the industry. Lee also stressed the importance of implementing more debt write-off schemes for individuals struggling with energy-related debts.

Additionally, Lee reassured the public that the Citizens Advice network is prepared to assist anyone who is concerned about staying warm during the winter months. Their advice is free, confidential, and impartial, aiming to support individuals facing energy affordability challenges.

As energy bills continue to rise, it is clear that many households in Scotland are bracing themselves for a difficult winter ahead. The combination of escalating energy costs and changing eligibility criteria for essential support schemes paints a grim picture for those already struggling to make ends meet.

With the looming prospect of a cold and dark season, the plea for structural changes within the energy market grows stronger. The call for increased governmental support for low-income households, coupled with the demand for energy companies to offer more affordable tariffs, is a vital step towards alleviating the burden on vulnerable individuals and families.

As the community navigates through these challenging times, organisations like Citizens Advice Scotland stand ready to provide guidance and assistance to those in need. By working together and advocating for necessary reforms, we can strive towards a future where every home is warm, safe, and secure, regardless of financial circumstances.