The number of calls to a leading energy advice service has more than quadrupled over the last year as Scots struggle with the cost of living crisis.
Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the advice hub energyadvice.scot, received around 370 calls per day throughout December – up from an average of 80 during the same month last year.
The non-profit organisation was among those who took part in two emergency summits on the rising cost of energy convened by Nicola Sturgeon earlier this year.
The meetings resulted in more direct engagement between advice services and suppliers - with energy companies now clearly signposting customers struggling with their bills to sources of support.
Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, said: "Over the past year we have witnessed a rapid rise in the daily number of calls to our national energyadvice.scot service.
"We know that many people are finding themselves in precarious situations when it comes to their household finances, and this will be compounded during the winter months as the temperature drops.
"It is important for people to know they do not have to struggle alone. We can offer information and advice on a wide range of money-related issues, including energy bills and debt, and can help those who are experiencing multiple issues."
Michael Matheson, the Scottish Government energy secretary, said: "This remains a deeply unsettling time for many thousands of people – both in Scotland and across the UK.
"We estimate that the UK Government’s higher price cap from April 2023 will result in around 980,000 households being fuel poor in Scotland - 120,000 more than there are currently estimated to be at present based on the £2,500 price cap.
"The UK Government needs to carefully consider the impact that this rise will have on those that are in or at risk of fuel poverty.
"The Scottish Government will, in the meantime, continue to do everything in our power to mitigate the impact of the energy price crisis on consumers this winter.
"Alongside tangible help – such as doubling our Fuel Insecurity Fund to £20 million this year and continuing it next year – we have also been working with energy companies and consumer organisations to support as many people as possible with their energy bills.
"Through the energy summits and our ongoing collaboration, good progress has been made to make sure those most in need of help are receiving the right support."
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