"Cold, dark, miserable winter" for many in West Dunbartonshire as energy bills rise
Energy bill increases will mean “a cold, dark and miserable winter” for many people in West Dunbartonshire, it has been warned.
The average household energy bill is to increase by £149 a year from this week as Ofgem increases its price cap.
The regulator has raised the cap from the current £1,568 for a typical dual fuel household in England, Scotland and Wales to £1,717, or around £12 a month more on average bills. The latest cap will be just 6 percent or £117 lower than it was compared to the same period last year.
READ MORE:Police Scotland has 'robust and effective' response to missing person cases
READ MORE:Scots schoolboy, 12, goes missing after class as police launch urgent probe
From yesterday (October 1), households on a standard variable tariff that pay for their electricity by direct debit will pay on average 24.5p per unit, with a standing charge of 60.99p per day.
For gas, the average will be 6.24p per unit with a standing charge of 31.66p per day. Ofgem said rising prices in the international energy market, due to heightened political tensions and extreme weather events, were the main driver behind the decision.
Millions of pensioners are also facing a winter with less support after the new Government decided to scrap winter fuel payments for those who do not receive pension credits or other benefits.
About 10 million pensioners will miss out on the payments of up to £300 this year.
And now West Dunbartonshire’s Citizens Advice Bureau chief has warned of a difficult winter ahead, as the weather starts to turn colder.
Joe McCormack, from WDCAB said, “Just as we‘re starting to feel the cold, energy prices are increasing again.
“It’s a harsh reality for many people in West Dunbartonshire, and it comes at a time when the changes to Winter Fuel Payment start to take effect, meaning thousands will miss out on that crucial help.
“The result is that many homes face a cold, dark and miserable winter and the UK and Scottish governments both need to look again at the support that is available to low income households.
“We agree with the calls that energy companies should play their part by offering a social tariff for those on low incomes.
“Meanwhile the WDCAB is ready to help anyone who is worried about how to keep their home warm this winter.
“Throughout the winter months we will be encouraging people to look again at their benefit entitlement and other financial help which may be available.
“There is already an increased focus on Pension Credit, but it shouldn’t end there. We will help people look at any financial assistance that may be available, in line with their circumstances. Our advice is free, confidential and impartial.”
Labour MP Douglas McAllister laid the blame at the door of the former Conservative government - and said that Labour's flagship GB Energy firm will reduce average bills by around £300 a year.
Douglas told the Lennox: "“The announcement from Ofgem of the price cap increase of 10 percent is of course a worrying time for all households across West Dunbartonshire, particularly with the onset of winter.
“It is yet another consequence of the toxic legacy inherited from the previous government.
“Over the last 14 years, the Tories failed to secure our own energy systems leaving us in the short term at the mercy of international gas markets. Therefore, UK Governments at any level have no influence over the price cap increase.
“This must change and my new Labour Government is determined to deliver that change.
“We are moving at pace now to ensure that the UK becomes energy independent with the setting up of the GB Energy Company headquartered here in Scotland.
“We are racing towards clean, home-grown power. Our mission to produce our own clean power has started with the lifting of the ban on onshore wind, easier consent for solar energy, and encouraging more renewable projects.
“The GB Energy Company over the next five years will produce greener, cheaper fuel with the profits benefiting all of us rather than private companies. Therefore, we are determined to save families money and get our country out of the grip of global energy prices for good.
“Over the next five years we are determined that the GB Energy Company will see all household bills decrease by £300 per year.'
Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie commented: “I absolutely understand the effect of rising energy prices on household budgets and the difficulties this will present for people in the constituency. It is an added expense on top of already high mortgages and rents and the routine cost of living, which has increased greatly in recent years.
“The Winter Fuel Payment is being devolved to the Scottish Government. Scottish Labour is suggesting that the extra £41million from the UK Government for the Household Support Fund, previously discontinued by the SNP, is used to help more older people with their fuel bills.
“Scottish Labour recognises the importance of lowering energy bills for households and that is why we have committed to creating GB Energy, headquartered in Scotland, to provide clean energy, create jobs, as well as generating benefits for UK taxpayers and lowering bills.
“The aim of GB Energy is to generate clean, homegrown electricity to be sold to retail companies in a bid to benefit households by keeping prices down.”
You can contact the local CAB on 0800 484 0136 or at www.wdcab.co.uk.