Scotland braces for higher energy bills as Ofgem raises price cap again

On October 1, Ofgem raised the UK energy price cap, causing a 4% increase in household electricity and gas bills. The move follows earlier rises that have left many Scottish families, especially in rural and island areas, facing fuel poverty. Cornwall Insight predicts the average dual-fuel bill could climb as much as 16% from January 1, citing the Iran-Ukraine wars and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz as key drivers of higher gas prices.

In response, Edinburgh-based social enterprise Changeworks, which has assisted over 75,000 Scottish households, recommends switching energy suppliers and investing in efficiency measures such as loft insulation and boiler upgrades. The organization also highlights loan schemes and area-based programs that can help lower-income residents reduce consumption. Julia Dunkerley and Tora Soderling of Changeworks stress that early action and available support can prevent debt from spiralling as energy costs continue to rise.