Check you're on cheapest deal, advice service urges, after energy cap reduction announcement
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Householders are being urged to check their gas and electricity bills after Ofgem lowered the energy price cap.
The regulator announced on Friday that it will drop its cap on the average amount suppliers are able to charge from £1928 to £1690, effective from April 1.
This is a 12 per cent decrease on what prices are now and will see the average bill fall by around £238 a year.
But this is still £552 more than what households were charged before the energy crisis hit in the autumn of 2021.
Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the national energy advice service energyadvice.scot, said while the fall was welcome, record levels of debt would continue pushing bills up.
Hazel Knowles, energy lead for Advice Direct Scotland, said: "Even with gas and electricity prices moving in the right direction, bills remain significantly higher than they were before the energy crisis began.
"The ongoing cost-of-living crisis, combined with record levels of energy-related debts, will continue pushing bills up, straining household budgets.
"That's why it is vital that people look at what they are paying and keep a close eye on the energy market."
The charity also highlighted differences in regional standing charges, putting Scottish consumers at a disadvantage.
Despite the overall cap decrease, increases in standing charges mean that residents in some parts of Scotland will now pay 63.31 pence per day, compared to their counterparts in London paying 40.79 pence.
A larger proportion of Scots also lack access to the gas grid, relying on the more expensive electric rate for heating and cooking.
Advice Direct Scotland is urging households to review how much they are paying and whether there are better tariffs available.
It is also encouraging Scots to check the accuracy of their bills in case they are facing higher charges than they should be based on estimated usage.
Those with smart meters are being urged to make sure the device is working, while those with traditional meters should submit gas and electricity readings to avoid overcharging.
Energyadvice.scot provides free, impartial, and practical advice on energy bills to anyone in Scotland.
Advisers can be contacted at www.energyadvice.scot and on freephone 0808 196 8660, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
