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Caithness residents – don't panic over energy firm crisis and gas price rises


By David G Scott

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Scotland’s national energy advice service has urged Caithness residents not to panic amid fears that more firms will go bust this week.

Advice Direct Scotland (ADS), which runs energyadvice.scot, said regulator Ofgem will ensure that any households affected will be automatically switched to a new supplier with no loss of energy and no loss of any money owed.

Billpayers are advised not to immediately switch should their supplier collapse. However, with gas prices on the rise, there are additional concerns about the overall financial impact on consumers.

Conor Forbes
Conor Forbes

Conor Forbes, head of policy with ADS, said: “This is a worrying time for the energy market, with a number of firms in difficulty. But for households, the vital piece of advice to remember is not to panic.

“If your supplier collapses, you will not be left without energy – Ofgem will switch you to a new supplier automatically and you will not lose any money owed to you. So you do not need to immediately seek a new supplier.

“But there could be a wider impact from rising gas prices for many consumers, and those who are struggling to pay their bills should get in touch with us for free advice.”

Scots who are struggling to pay their bills should contact ADS for free, impartial and practical advice on options such as energy grants and assistance.

The service also provides advice on considerations before switching suppliers, and how to deal with complaints and disputes with an energy company.

Anyone in Scotland with concerns can contact energyadvice.scot for free by visiting www.energyadvice.scot, or calling 0808 196 8660 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.


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