Things just got tougher
The energy regulator Ofgem has today announced an £96 increase to the energy price cap. The increase is likely to result in suppliers putting their prices up in the coming weeks before the new cap level takes effect in April.
Frazer Scott, Chief Executive of fuel poverty charity Energy Action Scotland comments:
“If energy suppliers respond by increasing their prices up to the new cap level, then over 1 million households in Scotland will pay substantially more for their energy.
These price changes hit the people on the lowest incomes and in the worst housing the hardest. Regardless of the reasoning behind the increase the impact on hard pressed families is simply unfair. Heating a poorly insulated home costs over £50 a month more than a decent home. If bills rise by around £100, far too many households will be faced with the increasing challenges, they need to heat and eat. There has been a dramatic increase in demand for support at foodbanks and advice services are seeing increasing numbers of people concerned about their energy costs.
It is incredibly hard on prepayment customers who cannot switch and should not have been included in this cap. Households in fuel poverty need greater protection from price rises, immediate help with lockdown bills and help to reduce growing levels of debt. We need to do more to reduce inequalities and the impact that unaffordable energy has on the health and wellbeing of the most vulnerable.”
Frazer Scott, Chief Executive Officer
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