Unaffordable energy bills are a worry for 70% of people, according to new research published by Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) for Big Energy Saving Winter campaign
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New polling has revealed 70 per cent of people in Scotland are worried about unaffordable energy bills in 2022.
The research, carried out for Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS), also revealed more than one in five were "very worried".
The figures come after a year of challenges in the energy market for consumers with the price cap increasing twice, and multiple suppliers exiting the market.
The energy price cap is set to be lifted again in April, and could mean another record rise in bills for consumers.
CAS has released its research, compiled by YouGov, as part of Big Energy Saving Winter, a campaign encouraging people to get advice to manage rising energy bills.
It also comes as the Inverness Courier recently launched its End the Chill campaign to help fight fuel poverty and raise awareness of the issues.
CAS Fair Markets spokeswoman Kate Morrison said after a challenging 2021 for consumers regarding energy costs, people were bracing themselves for a tough year in 2022.
“People have already had two difficult price rises in the past twelve months, and all the evidence points to further record rises this coming year,” she said.
“That, added to rising inflation more generally, will see some people really struggle.
“It’s also important to note that people are worried about bills becoming more unaffordable – so that doesn’t just mean higher bills but more challenging household budgets generally, from rising prices in the shops to falling or stagnant incomes.”
The CAB network was here to help she added.
“We’ve been giving free, impartial and confidential advice for over 80 years and during the pandemic we unlocked around £147 million for people,” Ms Morrison said.
“For energy advice people who saw a gain were around £272 better off.
“You don’t have to feel powerless about rising bills this year, the Citizens Advice network can help.”
Anyone wanting to find further information on Big Energy Saving Winter can do so at www.cas.org.uk.
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