Advice Direct Scotland has urged Jeremy Hunt to use budget to bring forward social energy tariff if he wants thousands of people across the UK out of fuel poverty.
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Advice Direct Scotland has urged Jeremy Hunt to use budget to bring forward social energy tariff if he wants thousands of people across the UK out of fuel poverty.
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A recent opinion poll conducted in Scotland reveals that a significant majority of households are limiting their energy consumption in a bid to manage other essential expenses like food. #costofliving #socialenergytraiff #energyprices
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We’re calling for an opt-out social energy tariff to be introduced to help the most vulnerable in society through the cost-of-living crisis. #costofliving #socialenergytraiff #energysocialtraiff
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Immediate release 22/11/23
Scottish households facing an increase in energy bills have been urged to seek support after Ofgem raised the price cap.The energy regulator today announced that average bills will rise by £94 from January 1, meaning a typical household will pay £1,928 per year.
This comes just over a week after Ofgem launched a review into standing charges for gas and electricity, which have risen by up to 60 per cent in two years, with further increases expected in April.
The charity warned of an “incredibly tough” winter ahead, with many Scots already struggling with household bills amid the cost-of-living crisis. Advice Direct Scotland also stressed the importance of people ensuring they are claiming all benefits they are entitled to.
Its free online calculator, available at advice.scot, is tailored for Scotland and allows people to check their entitlement to both reserved and devolved benefits.
Hazel Knowles, energy lead for Advice Direct Scotland, said:“Energy price rises at the coldest time of the year will alarm many people grappling with household bills.
“Costs are already hundreds of pounds higher than pre-pandemic levels, pushing people into debt and having to make difficult decisions about spending on even essential items. “Given the challenging situation for many, it’s shaping up to be an incredibly tough winter.
“We urge people across Scotland not to struggle alone – our expert advisers can provide free advice on the support available and ensure that households are claiming all the benefits they are entitled to.
“With an upcoming hike in electricity standing charges from April, Ofgem’s review could benefit some of the most vulnerable consumers. “Energy affordability also needs a long-term solution, and we support calls for a social tariff to protect people from spending excessive amounts on their bills.”
Immediate release 14/11/23
An energy price cap increase is to be announced next week, amid warnings that households across Scotland will see bills rise from the start of January with Cornwall Insight forecasting that a typical annual household bill will go from £1,834 to £1,931 in the new year, before falling slightly in April.
Advice Direct Scotland, the country’s national advice service, runs energyadvice.scot which provides free, impartial and practical advice on energy bills for anyone in Scotland. Advisers, who can also provide information on sources of support, are available on freephone 0808 196 8660, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, and further details can be found at www.energyadvice.scot.
“We have already witnessed high demand from households across Scotland seeking assistance with their energy bills.
“Costs are significantly higher than they were before the energy crisis began, and this latest warning ahead of next week’s announcement means that many Scots face a challenging winter ahead.
“We urge people across Scotland not to struggle alone – our expert advisers can provide free advice on the support available.
“Energy affordability also needs a long-term solution, and we support calls for a social tariff to protect people from spending excessive amounts on their bills.”
