Hundreds of struggling Dumfries and Galloway households seeking advice with energy problems
Advice Direct Scotland has revealed it dealt with more than 700 gas and electricity related complaints over the past 12 months.
Hundreds of struggling households in Dumfries and Galloway have looked for help with energy problems in the past 12 months.
Advice Direct Scotland has revealed it dealt with more than 700 gas and electricity related complaints between April 2024 and April this year.
Issues included incorrect bills, debt and disconnection, while there has also been a surge in inquiries about the switch-off of radio teleswitch service (RTS) meters at the end of June.
The charity, which runs the energyadvice.scot service, dealt with more than 200 billing issues and had 180 enquiries classed as general advice or information.
Director of policy with Advice Direct Scotland, Conor Forbes, said: 'These figures show that the energy crisis is far from over and underscore the alarming scale of the cost-of-living crisis.
'As Scotland's national energy advice service, we've seen significant demand from people across Dumfries and Galloway seeking help with bills, debts, and disconnections.
'Since the start of the year, we've also seen increasing concerns about the looming switch-off of RTS meters.
'With the June 30 deadline approaching, it's crucial that anyone still using these meters contacts their supplier to avoid losing heating or hot water.
'Despite the warmer weather, many people are still struggling financially, and assistance is just a phone call away.
'Our advisers can help with understanding energy bills, meter issues, and direct people to the support and benefits they're entitled to."
energyadvice.scot provides free, practical advice and information on energy-related matters to anyone in Scotland, ranging from supplier inquiries and understanding the complaints process, to what to do if experiencing problems with energy bills.
The team can be contacted on 0808 196 8660 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm), or through their website.
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