Local MP Jamie Stone urges residents to check energy tariffs before price cap hikes

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The increase in the energy price cap this autumn “will be a real worry for a large number of older Scots”, according to the charity Age Scotland.

Local MP Jamie Stone is urging residents of his constituency of Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross to check their energy tariffs to avoid bill increases in the fall.

Energy regulator Ofgem has announced that the energy price cap is expected to rise in early October from £ 1,138 per year for a typical user to £ 1,277. This could affect people on standard or default energy tariffs, but they might be able to avoid the increase if they switch to a fixed price tariff before the end of September.

Ofgem blamed the change on increases in wholesale energy prices.

Mr Stone also highlights the Warm Home Discount Scheme, which opens on October 18 and offers a £ 140 electricity bill credit to eligible households.

“At a time when household budgets are already tight, this is a real blow to people in the High North who already pay disproportionately more for energy than people in other parts of Scotland,” said said the Liberal Democrat MP.

“I urge all households to check their current rates to make sure they will not be affected by this price hike in October.

“People who are concerned about paying their fuel bill should also contact their supplier to inquire about the Warm Home Discount Scheme ahead of its launch in October. “

Ofgem says any customer “in a vulnerable situation” or worried about paying their energy bill should contact their supplier to access available support.

Its chief executive Jonathan Brearley said: “Higher energy bills are never welcome and the timing and magnitude of this increase will be particularly difficult for many families still struggling with the impact of the pandemic.

“Price cap means that suppliers pass on only the legitimate costs of providing energy and cannot charge more than the level of the price cap, although they may charge less.

“If you are having trouble paying your bill, you can contact your supplier to access the help available and, if possible, search for a better deal.

“We have strict rules in place to ensure that suppliers treat customers who have billing issues fairly and we welcome their commitment to reaching out to those who need help most this winter. Where help is not available, we will not hesitate to act.

“I understand that this is extremely difficult news for many people. My commitment to clients is that Ofgem will continue to do everything possible to ensure that they are protected this winter, especially those in vulnerable situations. “

Ofgem adjusts the price cap twice a year based on the latest energy supply cost estimates.

The Age Scotland charity has warned that the new price cap hike risks pushing increasing numbers of older people into fuel poverty.

Age Scotland Policy and Communications Officer Adam Stachura said: “The increase in Ofgem’s energy price cap will be a real worry for many older Scots, who even before the pandemic, struggled to afford to heat their homes. in the winter months.

“As people spend more and more time at home due to lockdown, protection and working from home restrictions, the rising cost of energy bills has become a source of great anxiety. Our latest research shows that two-thirds of seniors saw that these bills went up last year, with 13% struggling to pay.

“It is disturbing to hear that so many people are already considering taking steps to reduce other needs so they can afford skyrocketing energy bills, and the news that bills could rise further from that point on. october will put struggling elderly customers in a very precarious position.

“There must be around a million households in Scotland already overpaying for their energy and being stuck on the high standard variable tariff. For the half a million over 60 without the Internet, discovering new offers and changing providers is very hard indeed.

“It is essential that the elderly check that they are not short of financial assistance such as pension credit or the warm home discount, or help with house insulation and waterproofing. ‘air. They can call our helpline on 0800 12 44 222 to do this.

“It’s also interesting to know if you can save money by changing your energy tariff or by switching supplier before the cold hits. “


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