Lanarkshire households are being urged to think carefully before switching energy suppliers, as rising bills under the Ofgem price cap push more people to search for cheaper deals.
Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the national energy advice service energyadvice.scot, has issued a checklist to help customers navigate the complex energy market and avoid unexpected fees.
With gas and electricity costs increasing again on New Year’s Day, many households are weighing up the potential savings of switching suppliers.
However, the process can often be confusing, with some customers risking additional charges if they make a change without fully understanding the implications.
Hazel Knowles, senior project lead at Advice Direct Scotland, said: “With the cost of energy rising again under the Ofgem price cap on New Year’s Day, it is not surprising that many households are looking for ways to keep their bills down.
“Switching suppliers can be beneficial for some people, but it depends on the circumstances, and it is important to consider all the options before rushing into anything.
“We know that thousands of people across the country are worried about their energy bills, but the most important thing to remember is that nobody should struggle alone, and help is available.
Advice Direct Scotland has identified seven key considerations for anyone planning to switch.
These are understand your current plan; research new suppliers and tariffs; check eligibility and benefits; understand the switching process; don’t forget exit costs; be aware of scams and consider your future energy needs.
energyadvice.scot provides free, impartial, and practical advice on energy bills to anyone in Scotland.
Advisers can be contacted at www.energyadvice.scot and on freephone 0808 196 8660, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
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