MORE THAN HALF OF SCOTS HOUSEHOLDS SUFFERING FROM ENERGY FUEL POVERTY
MORE THAN HALF OF SCOTS HOUSEHOLDS SUFFERING FROM ENERGY FUEL POVERTY
A survey of over 4,000 Scottish consumers has found that more than 3 out of every 5 Scottish households are suffering from fuel poverty.
The survey was taken by households who have joined the Big Energy Switch campaign, a Scotland-wide people power campaign to cut the cost of electricity and gas in Scotland.
Fuel Poverty is defined as a household spending more than 10% of their household income on energy, and is a statistical measure that proves energy prices are too high.
59 percent of survey respondents meet, or exceed, the basic definition of fuel poverty. However when you break down the household data, many far exceed the basic definition.
-30% spend 11-20% of their household income on energy (Basic Fuel Poverty)
-15% Spend 21-30% of their household income on energy (Severe Fuel Poverty)
-14% Spend over 31% of their household income on energy (Extreme Fuel Poverty)
These statistics put beyond doubt the fact that Scotland is gripped by an energy affordability crisis, and suggest that deep and far ranging energy reform is needed.
Group switching campaigns like the Big Energy Switch can help reduce energy prices by providing consumers with an option to take up competitive offers. However it’s clearly not enough.
To make matters worse the Scottish Government are proposing to cut the fuel budget by £15million, meaning the spending to tackle this issue is being reduced by 13%.
Senior Campaigner, David Liston said today “This survey highlights the huge level of financial strain energy prices are placing on household budgets in Scotland. The fact that more than half of all households are now in fuel poverty means much more needs to be done to help families meet the ever rising cost of energy bills.”
Joining the Big Energy Switch is entirely cost and obligation free. Consumers who wish to sign up can visit www.onebigswitch.co.uk. Registration closes at midnight 25 March 2016.
NB to editors & producers: Details of case study families, who are in fuel poverty and are willing to speak to the media are available for media outlets.