The Survation poll, conducted for Advice Direct Scotland, found that 46% of people are concerned about their ability to pay for gas or electricity over the next 12 months.

The survey of 1,012 people comes as households across the country brace for the impact of the latest Ofgem price cap increase, which will take effect from 1 April 2025.

The level of the cap is rising from £1,738 to £1,849, an increase of 6.4%, pushing the average bill up by £111 per year. The new cap is £711 higher than what households were paying before the energy crisis hit in the autumn of 2021, an increase of 62%.

Advice Direct Scotland is urging anyone struggling with energy-related debt to contact its team of experts for free, impartial, and practical advice.

The charity, which runs the national energy advice service energyadvice.scot, says Scots should try to submit meter readings to their energy supplier before midnight tonight.

Accurate readings will prevent suppliers from estimating usage and applying new, higher prices to energy consumed when they were lower. People who cannot submit readings before 1 April should do so as close to the date as possible.

Those with smart meters should ensure the device is working. Taking a photo of the meter reading can also help to resolve any disputes that may arise.

Advice Direct Scotland is also urging households to review how much they are paying and check whether there are better tariffs available. energyadvice.scot provides free, impartial, and practical advice on energy bills to anyone in Scotland. Advisers can be contacted at energyadvice.scot or on freephone 0808 196 8660.

Conor Forbes

Conor Forbes, policy director at Advice Direct Scotland, said: “It has been a really tough start to the year for thousands of Scottish households, and this poll shows that worries about the cost of energy continue to prey on people’s minds.

“Unfortunately, things are going to get even more difficult this week as the Ofgem price cap rises again, heaping further pressure onto already stretched household budgets.

“It’s important for people to focus on the practical things they can do, such as taking a meter reading around April 1, which will ensure that they are charged correctly.

“Taking a dated photo of your meter can help too, and if you have a smart meter, check it’s working properly. Consumers should also review their bills and see if better deals are available.

“The most important thing to remember is that nobody should struggle alone, and help is available. Anyone experiencing difficulties should visit www.energyadvice.scot or call 0808 196 8660 for assistance.”