The Scottish Government has announced that First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has convened a second summit with energy companies and advice organisations regarding the cost of energy in the country.
This has led to further action to support consumers and businesses, as the cost of living and energy cost crises maintain as we approach the winter.
The summit also discussed the UK Government’s reversals on the measures that they had previously set out, as well as agreeing that certainty is needed in the long-term ahead of the anticipated energy price cap increase in April.
Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, said;
“The curtailing of the Energy Price Guarantee earlier this week has eradicated what meagre certainty people and businesses had over their bills and finances in the short to medium-term. Even the current cap of £2,500 until April – while better than a rise to £3,500 – is still a significant increase for households who are already struggling to pay their bills and heat their homes. Without further mitigation the increase to £2,500 under the Energy Price Guarantee will see an additional 150,000 households in extreme fuel poverty.
“The deficiencies in the UK Government’s package mean we are still in an emergency situation. The economic outlook has been made far worse by other aspects of the mini-budget – most of which have now had to be reversed entirely.
“The Scottish Government is working hard with its limited powers and finite budget to support people, business, public services and the economy. Part of that work will involve ongoing engagement with companies and advice organisations throughout the winter to see how, individually and collectively, we can alleviate the huge challenges people are facing as well as signposting existing schemes and support that is available.
“It is clear however that more substantial reform of the energy market is needed to address the issue in the long term, and the power to do so lies with the UK Government.”
