ScottishPower admits we’re struggling with energy bills, then adds a fee

A reader discovered a disturbing change in his ScottishPower account’s T&Cs. Photograph: PA Images/Alamy

With energy bills soaring, I am concerned about a recent change in the terms and conditions (T&Cs) of my ScottishPower account, which means I could be charged £5 if my payment does not go through.

When I received my latest gas bill, I noticed a new message stating: “Important: if we’re unable to collect your payment when it’s due, we may apply a £5 administration fee as per our T&Cs.”