Households warned to brace for energy shock as regulator Ofgem’s price cap rises yet again.
The recent rise in energy bills has provided an unwelcome shock for households in Scotland ahead of what is expected to be a long, cold winter.
And despite the small relief of new Prime Minister Andy Burnham cutting VAT from fuel bills, there are fears the impact of continuous wars in Iran and Ukraine could lead to a massive hike in January.
Ofgem’s energy price cap rise on October 1 led to bills jumping by 4%. Shortly after, Experts at Cornwall Insight predicted the average dual fuel energy bill will rise by up to 16% on January 1, hitting around £1,999 a year - up £276 on the level between October and December and the biggest rise since January 2023.
Cornwall said the increase is driven by the escalating conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted gas supplies to the UK and worldwide as the vital Strait of Hormuz shipping route has been effectively closed since the Iran war began in February.
With around a third of Scots already experiencing fuel poverty, Scotland’s rural and island community disproportionately affected and the energy crisis showing no signs of improving, people are being warned to take steps now to help keep their bills down.
Edinburgh-based social enterprise Changeworks supports households in managing increasing energy costs, improving their homes and tackling fuel poverty.
Their 2025-26 impact report revealed they had helped more than 75,000 households across Scotland.
And Julia Dunkerley, Principal advisor at Changeworks, said there was still time for people to look at switching their energy provider and perhaps getting a better deal ahead of the expected January increase.
“Moving to a new provider could still make a difference,” she said. “Before October 1st would have been a better time to switch but considering we are potentially looking at a 20% cost increase in January, there is still time to make a change that could potentially save you hundreds of pounds.
“It can be tricky to navigate those websites and you need to look out for exit fees, look at the small print which can be quite a complex calculation. People can get help from charities like ourselves though, so it is worth looking at price comparison websites.
“We try to give people the full picture, to make sure they are educated about the current expectations.
“Of course the savings will be limited - the hike we are looking at potentially in January, all suppliers have to take that hit, so there’s only so much of a deal you will get.”
So what steps can people take to keep their bills down?
In the first instance, Changeworks advise, people should start by looking at the most basic measures - reducing energy consumption and making sure your property is as energy efficient as possible.
For those that can afford it, there are funds available to help improve the energy efficiency and fabric of their home, with small steps like loft insulation or improving your boiler potentially adding up to a big saving.
And for those less well-off there are energy saving Scotland loans and area-based schemes, so get in touch to see what you might be available for.
“Energy debt is already at record levels, and things are going to get worse, so I would urge people to act now and to remember that support is out there,” said Julia. “We want people to feel that people can reach out.”.
Small steps can also make a difference, whether it’s switching to LED lightbulbs or installing draught-proofing strips on doors.
And those struggling with debt were advised not to ignore the growing bills, with help available.
Tora Soderling, Head of Marketing, Communications, and Digital with Changeworks, said: “There is support available, no matter where you are. Sometimes people can struggle to even open that drawer where they keep all their bills, but the sooner they get help the better.
“The bigger the debt, the less support there is available. We can help people with contacting their supplier, negotiating repayment plans, paying as much as you can even if it feels like chipping away at a big mountain.”