Household energy bills could soar to more than £5,000 from next April, according to the latest bleak warning from experts.
Consultancy Auxilione said rising wholesale prices could push the energy price cap up higher than expected, reaching £4,467-a-year in January and £5,038-a-year in April.
Its experts warned the average household would be forking out £571 for energy each month.
READ MORE: Gordon Brown calls for emergency response to cost of living crisis
It is higher than the figure published earlier this week by Cornwall Insight and came as Boris Johnson joined a Downing Street meeting with energy companies to consider the cost of living crisis.
The redundant PM had not been expected at the meeting hosted by chancellor Nadim Sahawi and Energy Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng
But could have been stung into action by Gordon Brown’s admonishment that “crises don’t take holidays” as the former PM called for utilities to be nationalised during the price surge.
Labour leader Keir Starmer is expected to unveil Labour’s plans to confront soaring energy costs in a speech on Monday.
Conor Forbes, director of policy with Advice Direct Scotland, said: “In the coming months, we are going to see astronomical price rises, which will undoubtedly cause hardship for many families across Scotland.
“We know that the warnings are causing considerable anxiety, and our experts at energyadvice.scot can help anyone in Scotland with free, impartial and practical advice.
“This could include accessing grants or ensuring individuals are claiming all the benefits they are entitled to.
“We urge people across Scotland not to struggle alone.”
Scotland’s national advice service, Advice Direct Scotland, runs the energyadvice.scot service with free, impartial and practical advice on energy bills for anyone in Scotland.
energyadvice.scot is available at www.energyadvice.scot and on freephone 0808 196 8660, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
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