Seek support for energy bills with urgency

It issues this call to action warning that people have already reached the limit of things they can cut back on.

Changeworks reports that more than one in three Scots are extremely concerned about next winter’s energy bills and is calling for more support for householders as the cost of energy is expected to rise again under watchdog Ofgem’s next price caps.

The charity says people across Scotland are taking increasingly extreme steps to cope with high energy bills. Polling commissioned by Changeworks found that last winter 28 per cent of respondents stayed in bed longer or went to bed earlier to avoid heating their homes. Worryingly, 11 per cent said they avoided staying at home altogether and went to public places to keep warm.

Almost half of those polled wore multiple layers indoors to stay warm, while 37 per cent heated only certain rooms to keep costs down.

In addition, 20 per cent reported being late paying or unable to pay their bills in the last year, with 42 per cent saying they had paid their bills only to make cutbacks elsewhere.

Changeworks is encouraging householders to seek support now, including checking they are on the most suitable tariff, seeking help with any energy debt, and exploring grants and support for improving home energy efficiency. The organisation is also calling for more support for vulnerable householders.

Changeworks supports householders through initiatives like its Affordable Warmth Services.

One client, Treasure, sought help after she struggled with high energy bills and needed support with tariffs. She says: “When you’re already dealing with financial pressure, energy bills become another constant worry. I work full time, but I was still struggling to keep up with energy costs. Trying to navigate complicated tariffs and changes to my meter was stressful and overwhelming.

“The support helped me understand my options and made me feel more in control. It wasn’t just about reducing costs – it helped reduce the stress that comes with not knowing where to turn.”

Affordable Warmth Services supported more than 6,000 households in fuel poverty over the last year. In the last five years, 26 per cent of people supported through the service have returned for additional help, indicating ongoing need for energy advice and support.

The charity also works with housing associations and social housing tenants.

Josiah Lockhart, chief executive of Changeworks, pictured, says: “We’re continuing to hear from people making impossible choices between essentials and returning for support because their circumstances haven’t improved and their homes haven’t changed.

“Energy costs and fuel poverty remain unacceptably high and people need support now. Improving energy efficiency of homes can help increase warmth, comfort and lower energy bills, but we need greater investment in advice services and home energy improvements.

“Householders should also seek support early ahead of next winter. Help is available and taking action now could make a real difference before winter arrives.”

Changeworks is calling for investment in local and national support services, more home energy efficiency, reform of the energy price cap, and a targeted, mandatory social tariff.

But it adds that actions householders can take right now include:

Contact your supplier

◆ To ensure you’re on the most economical tariff plan and suitable payment method (such as direct debit or Fuel Direct).

◆ To see what help and support your supplier can offer (most suppliers have their own internal debt relief funding schemes).

◆ To get help managing energy debt, spread costs, or negotiate repayment with your energy supplier

Other advice

◆ Check fixed-rate tariffs available from other suppliers.

◆ Check if you’re eligible to join the Priority Services Register, which provides additional protections for customers in fuel debt.

◆ Seek advice on home insulation and draught‑proofing, which can reduce heat loss.

◆ Check eligibility for grants and support schemes for energy efficiency or heating upgrades.

◆ Explore renewables, such as solar, where appropriate, to reduce running costs over time.

◆ Apply for £300 through the new Emergency Heating Oil scheme for those consumers who are struggling to afford heating oil and Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG).

For more information, go online and visit: www.change works.org.uk/affordable-warmth-team/