People in West Dunbartonshire could be forced to choose between heating their homes or eating as energy companies announce a hike in prices.
That’s the stark warning from Dumbarton Citizen’s Advice Bureau, whose manager Joe McCormack says the rising costs could have a devastating impact on families.
The worries follow an announcement by Ofgem which will see the price cap on standard tariffs increased from April. This is estimated to add an average of £117 a year to consumers’ bills.
It was revealed last year that almost a third of people in the area are living in fuel poverty as Dumbarton CAB launched a vital initiative to help those in need.
The Local Energy Awareness project aims to offer advice and guidance on fuel debt problems and energy efficiency measures in a bid to tackle the shocking statistic.
Manager of Dumbarton CAB Joe McCormack, has now expressed his dismay and concern about rising energy prices and the effect they will have on vulnerable residents of West Dunbartonshire.
He said: “In an area that already has high levels of deprivation and lower than average incomes, the effect of rising energy prices is going to put a strain on many households in the area, leaving people unable to heat their homes and pushing more people into fuel poverty.
“The cumulative effects of benefits freezes and changes to the benefits system, low pay and rising household costs has already impacted greatly in recent years.
“For those families who are just managing to pay bills and cover costs this could have a devastating impact, forcing many families to choose which essentials they pay for.
“The announcement by Ofgem is disappointing to say the least.”
A report published by Dumbarton CAB in October last year also found the most vulnerable households are less likely to switch suppliers and remain on the standard tarriff.
This means they could be left paying hundreds of pounds more a year rather than sourcing the best deals available.
A price cap on standard tariffs was introduced in January to give consumers confidence that their energy costs would be cheaper.
However, six weeks after this, a substantial increase has been announced with three of the UK’s biggest suppliers announcing they will raise prices from April.
Energy supplier Eon has announced an increase of 10 percent for 1.8million customers.
Linsey Close of West Dunbartonshire Citizens’ Advice Bureau, who works with families to maximise income and reduce costs, is keen to help those in West Dunbartonshire to find the best energy deals.
She said: “Research shows householders in West Dunbartonshire are less likely to shop around for the best deal. This means that many households could be stuck on standard tariffs meaning they will be affected by these price rises.
“The CAB Energy Awareness Project can assist with looking for a cheaper deal, identify ways of saving energy and look to see if funding is available to make homes more energy efficient.
“I would advise people to look for a better deal now rather than wait until April when prices have risen.”
The Local Energy Awareness Project can be contacted by calling 07437586820 or by calling into any local CAB office to arrange an appointment.
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