Chief Executive of Consumer Scotland Sam Ghibaldan said:
“A legacy of high energy bills has been a growth of debt and arrears in the GB domestic market which now exceeds £4.4 billion. Our own evidence shows 15% of energy consumers are now in debt or arrears.
“This is bad for those customers that are in debt themselves and are having to manage difficult financial circumstances, but it is also a growing problem for the energy industry.
“Consumer Scotland backed the introduction of a debt relief scheme and this announcement by Ofgem is a welcome first step in tackling the problem.
“However, more needs to be done. We have previously recommended that the UK and Scottish governments take action to provide more targeted affordability support for those consumers who need it the most as quickly as possible, and this remains a key priority.”
Background
Insights from the 2025 Energy Affordability Tracker
Consumers struggling with their energy bills should contact Advice Direct Scotland which provides free advice on the financial support available from Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. Their advice line is 0808 196 8660.