Energy bills are set to rise for people across Scotland due to a 50 per cent surge in wholesale fuel costs over the last six months, according to regulator Ofgem.
Charities now warn that the timing will impact millions of households across the UK, with many already struggling due to the covid pandemic.
And on top of this, some are missing out on an extra £20 per week from Universal Credit.
The 12 per cent rise will set a record high as it clashes with the end of the furlough scheme, which is set to finish at the end of next month.
From October 1 until the next review in six months time, customers on default tariffs paying by direct debit will see an increase of £139.
This means that anyone on their suppliers default tariff could see their bill go from £1,138 to £1,277 after Ofgem said the price cap for default domestic deals will be increased.
Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, said: “These looming price rises will inevitably concern many families across Scotland.
“The increases will come in just as the cold weather starts, making it even harder for households.
“We know that more than a third of Scots are already worried about paying their monthly bills, and many have been rationing their energy usage, so this will add to the anxiety.
“Energy bills and energy contracts can be a minefield for consumers, which is why we launched energyadvice.scot earlier this year.
“Free and practical advice is now available to anyone in Scotland through whatever form of communication they prefer - over the phone or digitally.”
Customer are now being recommended to hunt around for better deals if the hike affects them.
Free, practical advice and information on energy-related matters is available to anyone in Scotland, ranging from supplier enquiries, understanding the complaints process, and what to do if experiencing problems with energy bills.
People can contact energyadvice.scot by freephone 0808 196 8660, on Facebook, email or through live web chat.
