Many are still worried about energy bills, even with lower prices. A recent poll shows 88% of people are concerned this winter.
Scotland: People are really anxious about their energy bills. Even though prices have dropped, worries remain high. A recent poll shows 88% of folks are just as concerned as last year.
The average energy bill went up a bit in January. It now sits at £1,738, which is £21 more than before. Still, it’s lower than last year’s £1,928.
But here’s the kicker: it’s freezing outside! Scotland had its coldest January night in 15 years, hitting minus 18.9C. That’s no joke!
With the cold weather, the UK Health Security Agency issued health alerts. People are feeling the pinch, and calls for a social tariff are getting louder.
This social tariff would help those struggling the most. It could mean discounted energy for low-income households. Energy secretary Ed Miliband thinks it’s worth looking into.
David Buttress from Ovo Energy is on board with this idea. He’s worried about the high percentage of people feeling anxious about bills. He believes the government should prioritize this social tariff.
Ovo is also hosting community events starting January 20. They’ll be in places like Newport and Glasgow, helping people learn how to save energy and find grants.
It’s a tough winter, but there’s hope for some relief. Let’s keep an eye on how this all unfolds!
