Energy price rises criticised by Deputy First Minister
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has responded to news that British Gas will increase gas and electricity prices it charges customers.
Ms Sturgeon said: “These latest energy price rises will have an extremely damaging effect on the finances of Scottish households. I want to meet all the energy companies as soon as possible to discuss price rises.
“For every 5% price increase in energy prices, 46,000 households are pushed into fuel poverty. Not only is this completely unacceptable in an energy rich country like Scotland, it also risks undoing the good work that the Scottish Government is doing to tackle fuel poverty.”
She went on: “We have invested millions in various measures to help households reduce fuel bills, such as through the Energy Assistance Package, the boiler scrappage scheme, and Universal Home Insulations Scheme. Worried households can contact 0800 512 012 for assistance.
“Regulating price rises is the responsibility of UK Government, and we urge them, as a matter of urgency, to take a firmer stance with energy companies. Ofgem must publish and implement their updated proposals to protect consumers and ensure companies treat their customers fairly and improve competition between suppliers to rein in price increases.”
