The CAS evidence calls for “bold, ambitious and effective” action to address the crisis being faced by households across Scotland this winter and beyond.  

The document includes some real-life examples from the Scottish CAB network and our Glasgow-based GB-wide Extra Help Unit, as well as statistics showing the increase in demand for energy advice in the last couple of years. e.g. 

• During 2023/24, Scottish CABs managed over £6.4 million in energy-related debt for over 2700 clients.
• This is a 28% increase in the amount of debt and a 10% increase in the number of clients compared to 2022/23.
• Of CAB clients supported with complex debt issues, 51% of those with some level of fuel debt have a negative monthly budget.
• The average energy debt that people present to the Scottish CAB network is around £2,500. Among people in rural areas, this figure rises to around £3,000.
• The average energy debt for people in rural areas who sought advice from our network was £3047.

Publishing the CAS submission today, CAS director of impact David Hilferty said: “Over the last few years, the twin cost of living and energy crises have exacerbated entrenched inequality. We see that across the Citizens Advice network in Scotland. Last winter, energy advice demand outstripped advice on Universal Credit for the first time since the onset of welfare reform over a decade ago. More people than ever need our help – and that help is increasingly complex and urgent.

“The current energy landscape demands a response from Ofgem that is both ambitious and effective – people in vulnerable circumstances can afford no less than that.”