South Lanarkshire Council is offering support and assistance to residents who are concerned about rising fuel bills and endangered energy suppliers.
Difficulties with energy supply have created concern globally, but there are measures people can take to help their situations.
The local authority has set out a range of measures people can take to reduce their bills and manage their energy consumption.
Councillor Josh Wilson, for Hamilton South, said: “This is a worrying time for all of us as far as fuel prices are concerned, and it is perfectly natural for householders to feel concerned.
“That’s why we are more than happy for anyone with any questions at all on their situation regarding their energy bills or, in fact, on any financial matters in general to contact our Money Matters Advice Service either online or by calling 0303 123 1003.”
He added: “While the home energy situation is stressful, it is important to remember that you are not alone; it is affecting us all, and there is help and advice available.
“I would encourage anyone with any concern, large or small, to contact ourselves or one of these other organisations – all are delighted to help out. Never feel that there is nothing you can do – there is always something that can help, and it’s far better to talk about it than keep it to yourself.”
The problem with energy supplies has been caused due to a rise of approximately 250 per cent in the wholesale price of gas since the start of the year.
As a result of this, several energy providers have ceased trading in the UK – due to not being able to afford to offer services to customers without increasing bills which they are prohibited from doing.
The situation has led to the UK Government and Ofgem increasing the energy price cap that is put in place to protect households from increasing energy bills.
As of October 1, the energy price cap was increased, meaning that those on default tariffs paying by direct debit saw an increase of £139 and prepayment customers saw a surge of £153.
Ofgem has revealed that a further increase on the cap is expected in Spring 2022 and households should prepare for at least a 50 per cent increase on their energy costs compared with the past few years.
Residents can keep their costs to a minimum through a range of measures including using low-energy light bulbs, switching off appliances when they are not in use, using heavier curtains and closing them at night to keep the heat in.