Energy regulator Ofgem has announced the typical annual household bill will fall from £1,928 to £1,690 from April, a reduction of £238 or 12.3%.
Chief Executive of Consumer Scotland Sam Ghibaldan said:
“The announcement by Ofgem of a reduction to the price cap from April for the typical household is welcome news for consumers.
“This reduction should make a noticeable difference to consumers’ energy bills as we enter the spring.
“However, the impact of previous high energy prices still lingers. Gas and electricity prices are still substantially higher than they were in January 2022, and an increasing number of households now owe energy debt on top of their consumption costs.
“Our research shows the majority of households have been cutting back on at least one area of expenditure, including essentials, in order to afford to pay their energy bills. Some people, including disabled consumers, are experiencing particular difficulties paying their bills and need support.
“A series of market reforms to reflect the varying needs of consumers, and reducing demand through energy efficiency, are key to making energy affordable for all households in the future.”
Background
Consumer Scotland has highlighted ongoing issues of affordability in the energy market in a series of tracker surveys.
Energy Tracker: Insights from latest survey, Autumn 2023
Consumer Spotlight: Energy Affordability Tracker 1
Consumer Spotlight: Energy Affordability Tracker 2
Consumer Spotlight: Energy Affordability Tracker 3
Consumer Scotland: Prepayment Meter Briefing
Established under the Consumer Scotland Act 2020, Consumer Scotland is a Non-Ministerial Office, independent from government and accountable to the Scottish Parliament.