Energy cap rise will be devastating for people across Dumfries and Galloway
28th May 2026
The 13% rise in the energy price cap announced today will be devastating for thousands of households across Dumfries and Galloway, according to Dumfries and Galloway Citizens Advice Service (D&G CAS).
Responding to the announcement, D&G CAS Chief Executive Phil Stewart said:
“This huge rise in the energy price cap is going to be impossible for so many people to absorb. Especially the tens of thousands of people who we know are already struggling to heat and light their homes.
“It’s tempting to think high energy costs don’t affect people in the summer. Yet last summer the Citizens Advice Network provided over 2,000 emergency fuel vouchers across Scotland. With the cap likely to rise again before winter and remembering the price cap applies to the cost per unit, not the average household cost, there is no cap on the amount energy costs each household, fuel poverty across the region will continue to increase.
“We are already seeing record levels of energy debt in Dumfries and Galloway, with the average in 2025-26 being £3,200. Debt has a devastating impact on peoples physical and mental wellbeing, forcing people to ration their energy use, meaning people are sitting in the cold and dark.
“We urge those who are struggling to seek help. We have a number of means by which we can help people save money, tackle energy issues and minimise debt, through our Safe and Warm project, our D&G HEAT project and more.”
If you need advice about your household energy costs, you can call in to one of our bureaux, make an appointment at one of our outreach sessions, or call us for a phone or video appointment.
Call 0300 303 4321 or visit www.dagcas.org.
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