Scots struggling to pay bills urged to seek help as energy prices rise again
dailyrecord.co.ukScots have been urged to seek support if they are struggling with their energy bills - ahead of a new price hike coming into force on New Year's Day.From January 1, an increased Ofgem price cap kicks in.
Bills are expected to rise by about £94, seeing the average household paying £1,928 per year - an increase from the current figure of £1,834.Announcing the new hike in November, Ofgem blamed the increase on a rise in the cost of wholesale gas due to world events, including the conflict in the Middle East.The price cap will be in effect until March 31, with the level applicable from April due to be announced by the regulator before the end of February.The rise in the cost of energy comes at a difficult time financially for many following the pressure on household spending at Christmas.
Scotland’s national advice service, Advice Direct Scotland, runs the energyadvice.scot service.It gives free, impartial, and practical advice on energy bills for anyone in Scotland.
energyadvice.scot is available at www.energyadvice.scot and on freephone 0808 196 8660, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.The charity said the winter had already proved to be “extremely tough”.
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