Hundreds of north-east households seeking energy help amid cost of living crisis
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Hundreds of struggling households across the north-east have sought help with energy problems in the last year, according to new figures.
Advice Direct Scotland, which operates the national advice service energyadvice.scot, recorded almost 1500 gas and electricity-related complaints in the region in the 12 months to May.
One in 10 of the country’s cases stem from Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen and Moray.
Problems included bills, debts and disconnections, as soaring energy prices and the cost of living crisis squeezed family budgets.
Advice Direct Scotland’s advisors dealt with 605 cases in Aberdeen alone with significant demand throughout the Grampian area.
In the past year, the charity provided more than 500 pieces of general energy advice and addressed an additional 930 specific concerns across the north-east.
Billing issues were the most frequently reported particular problem, accounting for more than a quarter (27 per cent) of all cases.
Debt/disconnections and problems related to standard meters were the next most common issues, with each accounting for 10 per cent of the reported cases, while prepayment meters accounted for four per cent.
The findings come amid warnings that households still face high bills, despite regulator Ofgem recently lowering the energy price cap.
Energyadvice.scot, provides free, practical advice and information on energy-related matters to anyone in Scotland – ranging from supplier enquiries, understanding the complaints process, and what to do if experiencing problems with energy bills.
The team can be contacted on 0808 196 8660 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm), or through www.energyadvice.scot
Households self-rationing energy due to the cost-of-living crisis can seek support from homeheatingadvice.scot
Conor Forbes, director of policy with Advice Direct Scotland, said: “These figures highlight the alarming scale of the cost of living crisis.
“As the country's national energy advice service, we have witnessed significant demand from individuals in the north-east seeking assistance for various issues, including bills, debts and disconnections.
“It is crucial for people to know that they don't have to face these challenges alone, as a range of support options are available.
“If you find yourself rationing energy or struggling to afford other essentials, reaching out for help is essential.
“Despite the warmer weather, many individuals continue to face financial difficulties, and they should know that assistance is just a phone call away.
“Advice Direct Scotland offers a variety of services to provide free, practical, and impartial advice.
“Our advisors are available to assist with understanding energy bills and can direct individuals to relevant sources of support, ensuring they access all entitled benefits.
“Anyone experiencing difficulties should visit www.energyadvice.scot or call 0808 196 8660 for assistance.”
