Energy advice service urges customers not to 'struggle alone' this winter

Regulator Ofgem has announced that the energy price cap will be updated quarterly, rather than every six months, warning that customers face a “very challenging winter ahead”.

The changes are designed so that any fall in wholesale prices is passed on in full to customers and more quickly. But it also means that consumers are less shielded from rising prices in the short term.

Scotland’s national advice service, Advice Direct Scotland, runs the energyadvice.scot service with free, impartial and practical advice on energy bills for anyone in Scotland.

Conor Forbes, director of policy with Advice Direct Scotland, said: "The impact of this change will be watched with interest, but what is beyond doubt is that there are some incredibly challenging months ahead for households.

"Unfortunately, bills are going to soar in October just as winter arrives – and we can expect further rises in January. The key advice to everyone in Scotland is not to struggle alone.

"Our experts at energyadvice.scot are available to provide free advice on the support and assistance available, such as grants, and we can also ensure that Scots are claiming all the benefits they are entitled to by using our free checker tool at www.advice.scot."

Help is available at www.energyadvice.scot and on freephone 0808 196 8660, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Advice Direct Scotland also provides a free benefits tool at www.advice.scot, including Scottish benefits, which can help people check what they are entitled to.

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