AVERAGE BILLS WILL INCREASE TO STAGGERING £3,549 IN OCTOBER
Strathkelvin and Bearsden MSP Rona Mackay has condemned the announcement today by Ofgem which will see average household energy bills rise by a staggering 80%.
The SNP MSP said: “This is a devastating blow for households in my constituency and beyond who will see their average household energy bill rise to £3,549 in October - an increase on the current cap of £1,971.
“It is grim news and will result in many being consigned to hardship and poverty.”
The rise follows a 54% increase in April, which saw average bills surge to £1,971 a year.
And 4.5 million pre-payment meter customers, often the most vulnerable and already in fuel poverty, will see an even more punishing rise, with their average annual bill set to go up to £3,608.
Ms Mackay added: “Many people are worried sick. It is vital that the UK government steps up and cancels the rise, recalls Parliament and delivers an emergency budget without any further delay or excuse.
“People cannot wait for months in the hope that help is coming and be forced to choose between heating or eating this winter – they need help now.
“With each day it refuses to step in, the Westminster government is consigning more people to hardship and making the case for Scotland to become an independent country with the powers and levers to act.”