An estimated 1.7 million Scots have been forced to turn down their heating this winter amid soaring energy costs, a leading charity has found.
Analysis from Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) of a YouGov poll found the majority of households in Scotland are turning down the thermostat or not heating all the rooms.
They say that figure equates to 78 per cent of adults in Scotland who have had to cut back on household spending due to the cost-of-living crisis.
The charity is running Big Energy Saving Winter, a campaign encouraging people to seek advice if they are worried about bills this winter.
CAS Social Justice spokesperson David Hilferty said: “As the cost of living continues to rise people are turning down thermostats and not heating every room in their home to deal with energy prices.
“In some cases that may be a sensible move to reduce costs, however for others it may create long term health problems if their home isn’t adequately heated or cold.
“Our advisers get real results, last year we unlocked £132million for people and on average those who saw a financial gain after seeking advice were £4,200 better off.
“That could be actually life changing money this winter.
“We are for everyone regardless of if they are in work or not, and our advice is free, impartial and confidential. We don’t judge, we just help so anyone who is struggling in a cold home should seek advice as soon as possible.”
Previous data from Citizens Advice Scotland found that 1 in 10 cost-of-living energy related cases across the Citizens Advice network also required food insecurity advice.
Analysis released last week for the campaign found that an estimated 1.3 million adults in Scotland have cut back on groceries because of rising energy bills.
Anyone worried about bills, the cost of living and cold homes can turn to the Citizens Advice network for help.
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