As we move closer to winter, energy prices in Scotland are set to rise. According to reports, the new price of energy for homeowners in Scotland will hit a record high – a sentence that no one wants to hear. To help ease the burden of the increased energy prices, the Scottish Government has announced increased funding to support those who need it most.
Below, we look at the changes and what they mean for homeowners in Scotland.
Record high in October
According to a report from Ofgem, the average gas and electric customer could see their energy bills spike to a high of £1,277. This comes as there is a rise in wholesale prices with many homeowners seeing an increase of at least £139 across their existing services. It has also been noted that pre-payment customers could see their costs rise by £153.
This price hike comes at a bad time for many homeowners in Scotland. The pandemic has caused a lot of debt for many across the country and with the furlough scheme coming to a close soon, many are wondering how they will afford the new prices.
Funding from the Scottish Government
The Scottish Government is doing what it can to help homeowners and renters who may be struggling to deal with the increased cost of energy. Research by Home Energy Scotland found that around 70% of people are concerned about energy bills rising, especially due to an increased use of these utilities over the past year.
The Scottish Government has increased the level of funding that it offers people in Scotland. They have also been promoting their Warmer Homes Scotland scheme and the use of Home Energy Scotland to help inform people of the choices they have when it comes to energy.
How can you save energy?
Although the energy prices in Scotland are set to rise in October, there are some ways that you can reduce your bills by saving energy. This includes adding some insulation to your home, around your hot water tank and in your attic.
You might also benefit from adjusting your thermostat by just 1 degree and you could save up to 10% on your home heating bill. Experts have also found that draught proofing your home is a proven way of cutting your energy bills and your overall usage.
How can CMS Surveyors help?
Often, the best way to deal with higher energy bills is to tackle the problem head on and improve the overall efficiency of your system. At CMS Surveyors, we recommend that you replace your current boiler system with an air source heat pump. This can be up to 350% more efficient than a fossil fuel boiler – saving you plenty of money along the way.
With an air source heat pump, you can also benefit from funding including the Renewable Heat Incentive. This will help to balance out the overall cost and save you money over time.
If you are concerned about the rising energy prices and want to cut your overall carbon footprint, get in touch with our team today. We can help you to find the right solution for your property.