Energy: Don’t panic

Scotland’s national energy advice service is urging residents not to panic amid fears that more power firms will go bust in the next few weeks.

Utility Point and People’s Energy have already recently folded, along with a number of other small providers.

Advice Direct Scotland, which runs energyadvice. scot, said regulator Ofgem will ensure that any households affected will be automatically switched to a new supplier with no loss of energy and no loss of any money owed.

Billpayers are advised not to immediately switch should their supplier collapse.

However, with gas prices on the rise, there are additional concerns about the overall financial impact on consumers.

Scots who are struggling to pay their bills should contact Advice Direct Scotland for free, impartial and practical advice on options such as energy grants and assistance.

The service also provides advice on considerations before switching suppliers, and how to deal with complaints and disputes with an energy company.

Conor Forbes, head of policy with Advice Direct Scotland, said: “This is a worrying time for the

energy market, with a number of firms in difficulty.

“But for households, the vital piece of advice to remember is not to panic.

“If your supplier collapses, you will not be left without energy – Ofgem will switch you to a new supplier automatically and you will not lose any money owed to you. So you do not need to immediately seek a new supplier.”

He added: “But there could be a wider impact from rising gas prices for many consumers, and those who are struggling to pay their bills should get in touch with us for free advice.”