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Anger at price cap increase

The Scottish Pensioners’ Forum, the campaigning group for older people in Scotland, has today hit back at the need for a further price cap, which will see many more older people and vulnerable families plunged into greater hardship this winter 

David Edwards, SPF Chair fumed:

‘Early predictions had indicated that the price cap was due to increase by 1% but today’s announcement of 2% was somewhat unexpected.

In the grand scheme of things, it may not look like much but for the most vulnerable people, any increase on energy costs can be the difference between eating and heating this winter.

In 2014, OFGEM’s own research showed that almost 80% of Scots were already rationing their winter energy use and prices were nowhere near what they are now – having risen as much as 40% in the past few years.

Britain is lauded as one of the world’s largest and most stable economies, yet it cannot secure basic necessities for the most vulnerable people in society – you couldn’t make it up!’

Today’s announcement by OFGEM sees the October 2025 price cap (which is valid until 31 December) rising from the current £1,720 per year to £1,755 per year. It will be particularly detrimental as it comes into effect when normal usage rising in the autumn and winter months

‘This price cap increase adds to the injustices already experienced by too many older people in Scotland, paying way more for their energy costs while living in some of the coldest part of the UK.

OFGEM seems to have lost its focus. Like always, the devil is in the detail and standing charges have risen yet again despite consultation after consultation on their merits.

It is about high time that this inane practice is finally knocked on its head once and for all’