Fuel poverty set to break the 50% barrier in parts of Scotland

 

April’s energy price rises will see more than 40% of households in large parts of Scotland move into fuel poverty. 

Revised figures announced by the Scottish Government show that a further 211,000 households are likely to be living in fuel poverty in the coming months, an increase of 43% on 2019 figures.

Modelling done by fuel poverty campaigners Energy Action Scotland show 57% of people living in the Western Isles will soon be spending more than 10% of their income on energy - after housing costs have been deducted – the official definition of being fuel poor.

A further 11 local authority areas will see more than two in every five homes moving into official fuel poverty. 

Read full release and updated Fuel Poverty Map

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.

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