THE number of Scots seeking advice about energy has soared – even before the latest record hike in the price cap was announced, a charity has warned.
Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) said in December advice given about utilities issues – the majority of which related to energy – had increased by 17% compared to the previous month.
An online advice page on grants and benefits to help with energy bills also saw an 87% increase in December 2021, and was five times higher than the pre-pandemic figure.
The figures followed a then record energy price cap rise of around £140 in October 2021.
But last week regulator Ofgem announced another rise in the price gap of nearly £700.
It means a typical household will pay £1971 a year from April, 54% more than they pay now, with a further rise expected in October.
Households using a pre-pay meter, which are usually more vulnerable, will face an even steeper hike of £708 and an annual bill of £2017 on average.
Kate Morrison, CAS Fair Markets spokesperson, said: “The record price cap increase announced is a hammer blow for consumers, as the cost of living crisis squeezes household budgets to breaking point.
“Data from across the Citizens Advice network shows the impact of the previous price cap hike in autumn 2021, and we see a big increase in demand for energy related advice.
“In the case of our online advice pages in December demand was five times higher the pre pandemic figure.”
Morrison said CAS could help with advice, with the average gain for people who see a financial result of around £272.
She added: “The rising cost of living isn’t just energy bills – it’s prices in the shops too. When this collides with flat or falling incomes from benefits and wages people are faced with this nightmare choice between heating their homes and feeding their families.
“Since December the Citizens Advice network has been running the Big Energy Saving Winter campaign encouraging people to get advice to deal with soaring bills.
“Switching isn’t really an option – what matters is getting more money in people’s pockets in the first place.”
Last week CAS revealed data showing a link between demand for food bank advice and energy advice, with 30% of clients seeking food bank advice also seeking help on energy issues.
Analysis of polling commissioned by the charity suggest almost half a million people in Scotland are cutting back on food spending to deal with unaffordable energy bills.
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