Scottish Gas price hike raises anxieties

Scottish Gas has raised its gas and electricity prices by an average of 6%, with the effects likely to be felt by customers from November 16th onwards.

Age Scotland spokesman Lindsay Scott says: "This increase is expected to add at least £80 a year to the average household dual bill and many older people are becoming increasingly anxious about affording their heating, now that the cost of an average annual dual bill is around £1,300. Cold homes pose a serious risk to the health of older people, yet masses of them cannot afford to heat their homes properly, and this latest hike is just adding to the numbers.

"There is a real need for much greater transparency across the wider supply chain. Without that, existing consumer distrust over pricing will continue. Age Scotland would urge anyone worried about their energy costs to shop around to try to find a better deal and ensure they are on the cheapest payment method possible." 

Scottish Gas, which last raised its prices in August 2011, with a steep 18% increase, then cut them by 5% this January, has cited rising wholesale gas prices as the reason for the hike. In a statement the company said "Rising prices don't have to mean rising bills. We are offering a huge amount of help to customers to help them cut the amount of energy they use and keep their bills under control. We're also spending more than any other energy company on people who need the most help."

Earlier this year Scottish Gas announced a 23% surge in profits, admitting that the previous year's price rises had helped it rack up an operating profit of £345m in the first half of 2012.

Call the Age Scotland Helpline to find out about keeping warm in winter

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