Nearly 400,000 Scots missed an energy payment in the last year

Almost 400,000 people in Scotland missed an energy payment in the past year, according to Citizens Advice Scotland.

Polling by YouGov for the charity found that 32 per cent of people ran out of money before payday in 2020.

Of those, 28 per cent missed a gas or electricity payment as a result. Based on population estimates, that works out to around 397,600 people.
 
Later this week the energy price cap is due to increase by a further £139 for those on default tariffs for direct debits, and £153 for those on pre-payment meters.
 
Some households will have seen energy costs increase by more than £200 this year alone. 
 
CAS Fair Markets spokesperson Kate Morrison said: “Later this week the energy price cap will go up, and the crisis in the market is almost certainly going to mean higher bills for people well into next year, but people were already struggling massively during the pandemic. 
 
“With furlough winding down and Universal Credit being cut by £20 per week, it’s extremely worrying that so many people are missing energy payments as a result of running out of money. The coming week could be a tipping point for thousands more. 
 
“There’s also a real risk that consumers with a supplier that has gone out of business will end up on a higher tariff, or missing out on the lifeline Warm Homes Discount.  
 
“Help is out there, so if you need advice on money or energy, our advice adds up.  You can get advice from a local CAB, our online advice tool or check www.moneymap.scot to see your online options to boost your income and cut your bills.”