Sutherland households can expect high energy bills despite price cap announcement

Sutherland households will still face high energy bills this winter despite Ofgem lowering the energy price cap, says a national advice service.

The energy regulator yesterday (August 25) announced that average bills will fall by £151 from October 1, meaning a typical household will pay £1923 per year. However, despite the cap falling to its lowest rate since March 2022, it still remains 50 per cent higher than two years ago.

The average household energy bill will continue to be hundreds of pounds higher compared to the winter of 2021, when it stood at £1277.

Consultancy firm Cornwall Insight has predicted that bills are unlikely to revert to normal levels by the end of the decade.

Advice Direct Scotland (ADS), the country’s national advice service, runs energyadvice.scot which provides free, impartial and practical advice on energy bills for anyone in Scotland.

The charity said vulnerable people, including those who must power medical equipment at home, will still struggle with their energy bills this winter due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and because they are continuing to pay significantly more than two years ago. It also pointed out that government help provided last year through the Energy Bill Support Scheme has come to an end.

Advisers, who can also provide information on sources of support, are available on freephone 0808 196 8660, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, and further details can be found at www.energyadvice.scot.

Ofgem outlined how the price cap will affect typical households on the following fuel types and payment plans:

• Direct debit – average annual bill will fall from £2704 to £1923
• Prepayment customers – average annual bill will fall from £2077 to £1949
• Standard credit – average annual bill will fall from £2211 to £2052
• Economy 7 (electricity only direct debit) – average annual bill will fall from £1400 to £1298

Conor Forbes, director of policy with ADS, said: "Even with energy prices moving in the right direction, customers are facing a challenging winter.

“Bills remain significantly higher than they were before the energy crisis began, which will be unaffordable for many households. Given the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on household budgets, we understand that many Scots are grappling with difficult decisions about spending, even on essential items.

“The important thing to remember is no one should struggle alone, and help is available. We would urge anyone struggling with energy costs to reach out to their supplier who may have a hardship fund that could help."

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