fuel poverty – Page 2 – The NEN

Tomorrow: Free community energy advice event at LifeCare

TUESDAY and WEDNESDAY from 10am – 2pm

Almost a third (28 per cent) of people in Scotland still don’t seek professional advice or support when struggling to pay their energy bills, despite the support available.

Reasons for this include belief that they won’t qualify (34 per cent), stigma or embarrassment (31 per cent) or due to a lack of information (27 per cent)

In fact, 53 per cent agree they find it difficult to talk about struggling to pay their energy bills, rising from 33 per cent last year.

A new poll, commissioned by British Gas as part of its independent charitable trust British Gas Energy Trust (The Trust), found gas and electric costs are the most challenging for 24 per cent, followed by council tax (18 per cent) and mortgage payments (13 per cent).

It comes as British Gas and British Gas Energy Trust have partnered with the Post Office and 20 local charities to offer 120 free drop-in events across Britain over the next 12 months.

These events give people the chance to get practical, face-to-face support on budget planning, managing energy debt, applying for debt write-off grants, and accessing simple energy-saving measures to help keep homes warmer and bills lower.

Tracey Talbot, Interim Chief Executive Officer, at British Gas Energy Trust, said: “We know that managing household budgets remains a real challenge for many, with the cost of living putting pressure on people across the country. And although we’re starting to see more people coming forward to seek support, we recognise that doing so can still feel difficult.

“That’s why we’ve partnered with the Post Office and trusted local charities to bring support into communities across Britain – including Scotland.

These drop-in sessions provide practical advice on budgeting, managing bills, and accessing grants, all in a friendly and approachable setting. Our Individuals and Families Fund and Energy Support Fund are also now open to both British Gas customers and those with other suppliers – whether you’re on a prepayment meter or a credit account. If you need support, you can find out more and apply through the British Gas Energy Trust website.

“No one should feel alone in this – and we want people to know that help is not only available, but designed to work for them, wherever they are in life.”

According to the research, for those who are willing to seek support, their first ports of call are either friends and family (38 per cent) or energy provider payment plans (29 per cent).

It also found 60 per cent believe advice from a trusted local money and energy advice charity would also make it much easier for them to get the support they need during difficult times.

With 50 per cent likely to go straight to their energy provider in this situation.

63 per cent believe there should be more Government and charity programmes to help people manage rising energy costs.

Christina King, Customer Vulnerability Manager at British Gas, said: “It’s encouraging to see more people speaking to their energy provider when they’re finding things tough. That first conversation can make a real difference and there are many ways we can help.

“Our British Gas advisors will be available at local pop-up events to offer practical, face-to-face guidance – and these sessions are just one of the ways we’re helping customers during the upcoming winter. We committed £140 million to help customers since 2021 with their energy bills, the biggest voluntary support package from an energy company.

“Through the British Gas Energy Trust, we’re providing access to grants, funding, and free advice services alongside additional support like matched debt repayments and non-repayable credit for those in serious difficulty.”

The drop-in events are taking place in Edinburgh in partnership with Citizens Advice Edinburgh at LifeCare Edinburgh on 11^th & 12^th November and then at Citizens Advice Edinburgh on 18^th & 19^th of November.

See the full list of events here.

PO-pop-ups-leaflet_21Aug-25_PRESS Download

Scottish Government ‘extremely unlikely’ to meet 2030 fuel poverty target’

GOVERNMENT MUST TAKE ACTION OR MISS FUEL POVERTY TARGETS

Scotland is extremely unlikely to meet its fuel poverty targets for 2030 according to a new report from the Scottish Fuel Poverty Advisory Panel.

The Panel says the Scottish Government’s first three-year update, Tackling Scottish Fuel Poverty 2021–24, shows that fuel poverty rates have risen sharply since targets were first set in 2019.

In the Scottish Fuel Poverty Advisory Panel’s response to the Scottish Government’s Tackling Fuel Poverty in Scotland: periodic report 2021-2024, the Panel argues that tackling fuel poverty has not been given the same strategic prioritisation at Holyrood as other major policy areas with statutory targets, such as child poverty and climate change.

It says that greater emphasis must be placed on the monitoring and evaluation of progress towards fuel poverty targets.

The latest figures paint a stark picture: more than a third of households in Scotland (34%), approximately 861,000, are now classed as living in fuel poverty.

A household is in fuel poverty if, after housing costs have been paid for, it needs more than 10% of its remaining income to pay for its energy needs and if after paying for its energy the household is left in poverty.

It’s considered in extreme fuel poverty if they have to spend more than 20% of its remaining income. Almost one in five (19.4%) or 491,000¹ households are in extreme fuel poverty, a long way from the Scottish Government’s goal of reducing the figures to 15% for fuel poverty and 5% for extreme fuel poverty by 2030.

Matthew Cole, Chair of Scottish Fuel Poverty Advisory Panel said: “We’re calling for the existing Fuel Poverty Strategy to be revised as a matter of urgency, or Scotland will not only miss its 2030 targets but is also unlikely to meet its 2035 targets.

“There is also need for a fuel poverty delivery plan that links boosting household income directly to meeting fuel poverty targets, and this delivery plan should be robustly monitored.

“While meeting the 2040 target of just 5% in fuel poverty and 1% in extreme fuel poverty is still possible, it will be a massive challenge requiring a whole new strategic approach. There are far too many people still having to choose between heating their homes and feeding their families.”

He said the Panel has heard some harrowing stories from energy advice agencies and other partners on the frontline across Scotland: “We have heard of people resorting to extremes so that they can access heat and power, with a resident in the Western Isles developing hypothermia after disconnecting the heating because they were unable to pay their bill.

“We have even heard reports of someone ripping up the floorboards in their home so that they could burn them as a heat source. These findings are shocking on their own, but are even more so when we consider the longer-term impacts living in fuel poverty can have, including on physical and mental health.”

The Panel’s new report acknowledges that the world is a very different place since the original targets were set in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic and cost of living crisis driven by the war in Ukraine and sanctions against Russia.

It also acknowledges that although household energy rates are not within the Scottish Government’s direct control, the escalation of fuel poverty levels in Scotland means that tackling fuel poverty should be a greater priority than ever.

The report recognises that some progress has been made by the Scottish Government over the last three years, particularly in efforts to improve the energy efficiency of housing. There has been a measurable improvement in recent years with 56% of homes rated EPC band C or better in 2023 – an increase of around 3% from 2022.

There has also been significant Scottish Government support to increase income for low-income households, with some interventions directly related to annual assistance with energy costs.

However, there is still a long way to go to achieve the targets. The Panel has made a series of recommendations to the Scottish Government urging it to:

Fulfil its commitment to revising its current Fuel Poverty Strategy by December 2026.
Accelerate the rate of improvements to make housing stock more energy efficient.
Increase awareness of how energy is used in homes to reduce waste and make costs clearer, as many households may be on unsuitable tariffs, paying more than necessary without realising it.
Set a clear vision for the GB energy market, push for reforms that take account of the needs of Scottish consumers, and protect those at risk of fuel poverty.
Target island and remote rural communities with tailored, co-ordinated action to cut fuel poverty where it hits hardest.

On behalf of the Panel, the Chair emphasised: “It is essential that the revised strategy includes a clear, credible plan to cut fuel poverty and meet statutory targets.

“That means closer monitoring, better evaluation, and flexible policies that respond quickly to stalled progress or heightened need. We look forward to seeing the Scottish Government’s response in the coming weeks.”

Gillian Campbell, Director of the Existing Homes Alliance (EHA), said: “The Scottish Fuel Poverty Advisory Panel highlights that the number of households in fuel poverty rose from 24.6% in 2019 to 34% in 2023. This rising level of fuel poverty in renewables rich Scotland is deeply concerning.

“Poor energy efficiency remains one of the main drivers of fuel poverty, yet we know Scotland already has excellent fuel poverty and energy efficiency programmes that can make homes warmer, healthier and cheaper to heat. However, the scale of existing programmes doesn’t match current levels of need.

“The Scottish Government must commit to scaling up these effective schemes and providing long-term funding certainty so local authorities and partners can maximise their impact. Without that commitment, too many people will continue to face the impossible choice between heating and eating this winter.”

The report can be viewed in full at Scottish Fuel Poverty Advisory Panel | SFPAP Periodic Report Response.

Changes to energy price cap between 1st October and 31 December 2025

Changes to the maximum amount energy suppliers can charge people on default tariffs for each unit of energy and the daily standing charge

Every 3 months Ofgem review and set a level for how much an energy supplier can charge for each unit of energy and daily standing charge, under the price cap.

From 1 October to 31 December 2025 the price for energy for a typical household who use electricity and gas and pay by Direct Debit will go up by 2% to £1,755 per year. However, compared to the start of 2023, this is £625 (26.3%) lower than when the energy crisis was at its peak.

For a typical household, their energy bills will increase by £2.93 a month or £35.14 per year. This is 2.2% per year higher than the price cap set for the same period last year, from 1 October to 31 December 2024 (£1,717). But when adjusted for inflation, it is 0.9% lower than the same period in 2024. Based on the current inflation rate, a typical household will pay £102 from October to December instead of £100 per month.

Costs included in the energy price cap

The level of the energy price cap is made up of different costs, for example the wholesale cost of gas and electricity, costs to supply energy on the network and VAT. These costs are split within the energy price cap between the unit rate and the standing charge.

We are consulting on some of these costs which could impact future energy prices. View all our latest consultations and call for inputs related to the price cap.

Read about typical household energy use and how the energy price cap is calculated on our Average gas and electricity use explained page.

View and compare 1 October to 31 December 2025 and 1 July to 30 September 2025 energy price cap standing charges and unit rates by region.

Learn more about the costs that make up the standing charge for electricity and gas.

You can also get and compare all the energy price cap (default tariff) levels.

Energy price cap rates 1 October to 31 December 2025

Electricity rates

If you are on a standard variable tariff (default tariff) and pay for your electricity by Direct Debit, you will pay on average 26.35 pence per kilowatt hour (kWh). The daily standing charge is 53.68 pence per day. This is based on the average across England, Scotland and Wales and includes VAT.

Gas rates

If you are on a standard variable tariff (default tariff) and pay for your gas by Direct Debit, you will pay on average 6.29 pence per kilowatt hour (kWh). The daily standing charge is 34.03 pence per day. This is based on the average across England, Scotland and Wales and includes VAT.

Why energy prices have gone up

There have been increases to parts of the costs of transporting energy in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). Network operators are adjusting costs based on the level set by the National Electricity System Operator so that electricity supply is secure.

Other costs that go towards government schemes and essential support are also a factor for this increase.

Managing your energy bills and tariff

You are covered by the energy price cap if you are on a default tariff and pay for your electricity and gas by either:

standard credit (payment made when you get your electricity and gas bill)
Direct Debit
prepayment meter
Economy 7 (E7) meter

The actual amount you pay will depend on how much energy your household uses, where you live and the type of meter you have.

You could pay less for your energy by changing your energy tariff or payment type. Find out if you can change or fix your tariff and how to switch energy supplier.

Tell your energy supplier if you cannot pay your bills. They must help you if you ask. They could set up a repayment plan or provide you with emergency credit.

What we are doing to help customers

Consumers will have more choice and control in how they pay for their standing charges. Some suppliers are already offering these tariffs. See our update on creating a low or zero standing charge option.

We are reviewing how we allocate costs, and the impact of investments and upgrading infrastructure on customers’ bills. This will help make sure that the costs recovered are fair to consumers and efficient.

Next energy price cap review 

We review and set a level on how much an energy supplier can charge for each unit of energy including the standing charge every 3 months. The levels for the period 1 January 2026 to 31 March 2026 will be published by 25 November 2025.

Heating support for Scotland’s pensioners

Universal Winter Fuel Payments

First Minister John Swinney has confirmed that pensioners in Scotland will receive no less than they would under the new UK Winter Fuel Payment scheme.

During a speech on public service reform and preventative public health measures to ensure Scots live longer, healthier, wealthier lives, the First Minister confirmed further details of the Winter Fuel Payment scheme will be set out in due course and that ‘the Scottish Government will always seek what is best for Scotland’s pensioners’.

The First Minister said: “Prevention is the hard-nosed financial principle behind the decisions we have taken, for example, on the Winter Fuel Payment. The Winter Fuel Payment kept some of the most vulnerable in society warm in winter – it was always the right thing to do but it was also the smart thing to do.

“Smart because it kept people out of hospital, in their own home. It kept them warm and well. And then it was gone. To be quite blunt about it, I don’t believe cutting this winter lifeline was ever going to save a penny because making millions of pensioners poorer makes them also colder and makes them also sicker and that in turn puts up the bill for our social services and our NHS.

“It is an almost textbook definition of a false economy.

“Keeping the Winter Fuel Payment looks after our pensioners, but it also looks after our NHS. That is the sharp financial reality of the prevention principle in action. It is one of the reasons we were so quick to step in to protect pensioners in Scotland as best we could from that wrong decision by the UK Government.

“And now they have seen the error of their ways, my government will once again do right by Scotland’s pensioners.

“I am very happy to confirm that no pensioner in Scotland will receive less than they would under the new UK scheme.

Details will be set out in due course by my Government, but the Scottish Government will always seek what is best for Scotland’s pensioners.”

Tackling fuel poverty in privately rented homes

Proposals for minimum standards of energy efficiency

Private rented homes could be subject to a Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) from 2028 to support efforts to tackle fuel poverty and reduce emissions that contribute to climate change.

Under proposals published today, regulations would be brought forward under existing powers requiring privately rented properties, as far as possible, to reach the reformed EPC Heat Retention Rating (HRR) band C from 2028 for new tenancies and by 2033 for all privately rented homes.

In 2022 there were 300,000 privately rented properties in Scotland. The regulations would prohibit the letting of properties which fall below the minimum standard of energy efficiency, until the landlord has made any relevant energy efficiency improvements.

The current system of Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) is due to be revised and updated from 2026 with a new set of ratings to give clearer information on the fabric energy efficiency of a property; the emissions, efficiency and running costs of its heating system; and the cost of energy to run the home.

Alasdair Allan, Acting Minister for Climate Action said: “It is vital that we find the right balance to both reach net zero by 2045 and reduce fuel poverty. Improving energy efficiency is one of the levers available to the Scottish Government that enables this dual progress.

“The lowest rates of fuel poverty are associated with higher energy efficiency standards. A majority of privately rented properties are already at a good standard of energy efficiency, based on the current EPC regime, but others still need improvement to bring them closer to reaching a good level.

“These proposals will improve those homes, reduce energy costs for tenants and support the transition to clean heating – which we will be further strengthening through the Heat in Buildings Bill that we have committed to bring forward later this year. Installing better insulation and other energy efficiency measures will also benefit people’s health, by reducing the risk of cold and dampness-related conditions.

“The Scottish Government continues to offer a wide range of support to people and organisations looking to move to clean heating or improve energy efficiency, including to private landlords.”

Exemptions are proposed to provide protection to landlords in situations where they are prevented from obtaining third party consent or permissions to carry out work; and where undertaking work could have a negative impact on the fabric or structure of the property.

Previous proposals to regulate energy efficiency for the private rented sector were put forward in 2020 but withdrawn as a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic.

TODAY: Heating Meeting

ONLINE: – 2 to 3.30pm

Calling all community activists in Newhaven / Trinity / Granton / West Pilton – can you share your ideas about how decisions should be made on heating system changes coming within 5-15 years?

– How to tackle fuel poverty? Stop energy leaking out of homes!

– After gas … what? Heat pumps or heat networks?

These are big technical options being discussed right now by the Scottish Government and the City Council.

– Do you want a say in the new arrangements the infrastructure needed?

– Share your views on what will happen when gas no longer heats homes / workplaces.

– Could a Local Place Plan / a Local Energy Plan help?

This online workshop is for community organisers and residents interested in the issues. It will inform future funding applications and support for community organisations looking to take control of their journey to a low carbon future.

Book your place: https://tinyurl.com/2vfp5kv8

Call for targeted energy bill support

Working group proposals put to UK Government

The Scottish Government has called on UK Government ministers to urgently deliver a targeted energy bill discount to protect customers in greatest need and drive down high fuel poverty rates.

The final report of the Social Tariff Working Group – comprising energy suppliers, consumer and fuel poverty groups and disabled people’s organisations – published today, recommends targeted energy bill support to address the issue of unaffordable bills, plus a move beyond determining eligibility based on receipt of benefits.

The group concluded that support applied automatically to eligible households, using metrics based on a combination of household income, medical need and rurality would have a positive impact.

Acting Climate Action Minister Alasdair Allan said: “High energy prices remain the single greatest driver of fuel poverty in Scotland, and we have taken various steps – within the limits of our devolved powers – aimed at raising household incomes and improving energy efficiency.

“We have reinstated the Winter Fuel Payment for pensioners; we have increased funding for Warmer Homes Scotland by £20 million, helping around 1,500 more households save on energy bills; and we have committed a further £20 million for the Scottish Welfare Fund to support the most vulnerable people.

“However, this is not enough to drive down stubbornly high fuel poverty rates and energy prices continue to rise. Targeted bill support is urgently needed to ensure that consumers are protected against high costs at source and can afford all their energy needs.

“We have worked very productively with energy providers and advice groups to come up with a deliverable scheme, and the final report demonstrates clear consensus on the way forward. However, the fundamental levers to make a difference are with the UK Government.

“Existing one-off flat rate rebates are insufficient and are not a long-term solution, and the UK Government must urgently deliver a unit rate discount, with the level of discount proportionate to need. The outputs from our group must act as a foundation and mainstay of a revised strategy, providing a signal of intent and leadership by the UK Government in tackling fuel poverty at source.”

The group considered fuel eligibility, consumer eligibility and data, level and form of support, and funding, as well as feedback from frontline advisers and campaigners.

Its conclusions differ from previous models which would have meant moving customers on to a different tariff, thereby removing them from the competitive market and from other means of saving money.

Energy: Social Tariff Working Group – gov.scot

Letter to UK Government Energy Consumers Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh

ECCAN: Heating North Edinburgh

ONLINE MEETING – MONDAY 31 MARCH 2 – 3.30pm