Fuel bill shocks have led to a 300% increase in desperate Scots seeking emergency bail-outs this year so far.
And it is expected there will be an explosion in cases of fuel poverty and enforced non-payment once the latest whopping increase of 82% kicks in at the end of September.
A spokesperson for Link Housing, which houses 15,000 Scots, said the hardship levels are unprecedented.
The news comes as latest predictions suggest the “average family” may now expect to pay £5,500 in fuel bills by next April, with the average Scottish family expected to be saddled with far more.
The Link spokesperson said almost 800 tenants have asked for support via the Housing Associations’ Charitable Trust, owing to the dire struggle to meet bills.
The spokesperson said: “Our data shows more of our tenants are struggling with essentials such as food and fuel.
“For example, the number of tenants we supported to get emergency fuel support through HACT increased 300% this year, and we continue to distribute these emergency vouchers to people in need daily.
“We have also seen increased referrals to our advice services – this year, we have already supported 747 tenants with 1,586 matters to receive £850,900 in benefit entitlements and other essential financial support.”
Scott Restrick, energy and sustainability officer at Link Housing, said Scots stand to be hit harder than the rest of the UK.
He said: “We should bear in mind that estimates for annual fuel costs for average families tend to look towards the heart of England, which was nominally traditionally though to as Nottingham for these calculations.
“Many parts of Scotland are very distinct from Nottingham, both in the winter temperatures they experience and the type of fuel available to them.
“Gas costs have been rocketing but if you have to rely on electricity for heating costs you will feel the brunt of things. Likewise with oil which is not regulated the way gas and electricity are.”
Frazer Scott, CEO of Energy Action Scotland, also said the number of pleas for help from desperate Scots has recently gone off the scale.
He said: “Energy Action Scotland is receiving requests for advice like never before as households reach out and find help where they can.
“This level of fear and indebtedness is unacceptable in a rich country. Government in Scotland and Westminster must intervene immediately, ensuring support is targeted at those households most in need.”
He added: “This month is going to bring another unprecedented rise in energy costs ahead of winter and will have a devastating effect on low income, vulnerable, fuel poor households.”
Simon Francis, co-ordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, said the huge rises would put strain on people’s normal routines.
He said: “The impact of the energy bills crisis will be felt in every aspect of everyday life, from simple things like taking a shower to the price we pay for things in local shops.
“While the government in Westminster remains asleep at the wheel, people are starting to realise the extent of the car crash they are causing.
“We need further emergency financial support for households this winter and reform to the UK energy market. But we also need to ramp up energy efficiency programmes even further and a faster move to a cheap, green, secure, energy supply.”
Colin Mathieson, spokesperson for Advice Direct Scotland, said: “By understanding our energy bills and how they are calculated, we can ensure we are being charged correctly for our usage, based on our actual consumption.”
The latest warning from the Auxilione consultancy predicts bills of £5,456 for average families from April next year.
But it is feared that many Scottish families will be hit far harder - with some needing to find £8,000 or more to maintain their current levels.
On Monday the Labour Party called for the price cap to be frozen at its current level of £1,971 until April to help struggling families through an otherwise disastrous winter.
Four major energy suppliers - ScottishPower, E.on, Octopus Energy and British Gas-owner Centrica - are in favour of a fund that could freeze bills for two years.
The two first suppliers have suggested a so-called tariff deficit fund to ministers. Banks would supply the cash under a Government guarantee that would let bills be frozen for the period.
The banks would then be paid back over 10 to 15 years.
