Household energy bills will face another increase as inflation pushes the cost of living higher.
Inflation has hit a 40-year record high as it has creeped up to 9.1 per cent in the 12 months to May, from 9 per cent in April, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.
With food prices are set to jump again, along with fuel and already high energy bills, households will be charged for an extra cost. Back in September 2021, over thirty energy firms went bust in the midst of the energy crisis as wholesale prices spiked to record highs.
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Households will be charged to cover the cost of the energy firms that have crashed. It will cost households a combined £2.7billion to cover the transfer of 2.4million customers to a new supplier – around £94 each – according to estimates from Ofgem and reported by the Press Association.
Meanwhile, the latest data from Kantar has revealed that grocery price inflation jumped to 8.3 per cent over the four weeks to June 12 to its highest level since April 2009.
That means the average annual shopping bill will increase by £380 in 2022. Consumers in Scotland can receive free, practical and impartial advice on energy bills and debt concerns through Advice Direct Scotland at either www.energyadvice.scot or www.moneyadvice.scot.
Colin Mathieson, spokesperson for Advice Direct Scotland, said: “These latest figures will raise concerns about further rising costs in the months ahead. With food inflation soaring and energy bills increasing sharply, it is a challenging time for many households across Scotland.
“We urge everyone not to struggle alone – help is out there. At Advice Direct Scotland, we have qualified advisers who can provide free, impartial and practical advice on money worries, including energy bills and debt, and help Scots ensure they are receiving all the benefits or financial assistance they are entitled to.”
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