The increase to the energy price cap announced by Ofgem last week means that many Scottish households will see another huge increase in their energy bill from 01 April 2022.
This further increase, hot on the heels of the significant increase we had in October, is driven by a record rise in global gas prices over the last six months, the quadrupling of wholesale prices in the last year and the UK’s closure of gas storage facilities, making it much more vulnerable to volatile prices than our European neighbours.
The energy price cap is the maximum amount that energy suppliers can charge for their energy. It was introduced by Ofgem back in 2019 to protect customers on standard energy tariffs.
While France have has limited gas price increases to 12.6% and promised further help after the cap ends in April, under the UK Tory Government households face a 72.5% rise in energy bills since last April.
Consumers on a default tariff paying by direct debit will see an average increase of £693 from £1,142 per year last summer to £1,971 per year from April. People with a prepayment meter will see an average increase to £2,017. The impact of this increase on your household's annual cost will depend on your energy use.
Home Energy Scotland provides tailored, practical advice on how consumers can make most of the energy they are paying for and reduce energy use at home.
Their advisors can also check eligibility for financial support for home insulation, draught proofing or a new heating system through the SNP Government’s Warmer Homes Scotland programme.
Most eligible households have received around £5,000 of support and on average reduced their heating bill by £300 per year. The amount that a household could save on bills will increase as the price of energy increases.
Kenneth Gibson MSP said:
“These are difficult times for many households across Scotland already, exacerbated by the UK Government’s failure to properly address the energy crisis.
“Over the years, I have encouraged many constituents to contact Home Energy Scotland, which helped them reduce their energy usage and bills significantly.
“Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with them.”
Contact Home Energy Scotland at no cost on 0808 808 2282.
ENDS
