“This is concerning news from the Citizens Advice network and highlights how worried people are about rising energy costs,” said Natalie Don MSP.

Citizens Advice Scotland has revealed that demand for energy advice overtook advice on Universal Credit and other benefits in December 2022. This is the first time that Universal Credit wasn’t the top advice area since Citizens Advice Scotland started monitoring monthly advice trends during the pandemic.

Advice in relation to regulated fuel made up 15% of all advice in December 2022. Utilities and Communications advice - the majority of which is related to energy - increased 70% from November 2022, nearly doubling in terms of the amount of advice provided. This is a further increase of 98% from the same time last year.

According to Citizens Advice Scotland, people all across the country are seeking advice from the CAB network on energy issues.

Natalie Don MSP added:

“The rise in the number of people seeking advice on energy issues is a stark reminder of the problems caused by an uncaring Tory UK Government who are simply not doing enough to help people.

“Energy companies are reporting their largest ever profits yet households are struggling to get by, with many people suffering while the Tory UK Government fail to tackle this profiteering.

“It’s a disgrace that anyone in energy rich Scotland should struggle to pay for their energy bills, but the Scotland doesn’t have the power to act on this – energy is reserved to an uncaring Westminster Government who are ignoring the pleas for help.

“This issue highlights why we need independence and control of our own resources, to properly tax and regulate energy companies so that everyone can live in a warm and safe home.”