Four million Scots risk being plunged into fuel poverty by January if energy bills rise as expected, a shock report has found.
Three-quarters of all households in Scotland could struggle to make ends meet if the price cap is raised by the UK Government in October and January.
Fuel poverty is defined as any household spending more than 10 per cent of their income on energy after housing costs have been deducted.
Experts at the University of York found huge regional variations in how different parts of the UK will be impacted by the soaring cost of energy.
As many as 76 per cent of households in Northern Ireland could be plunged into fuel poverty - but the figure is just 56 per cent in London and 58 per cent in the south-east of England.
It comes as many Scots are already struggling to cope with inflation running at a 40-year high and rising food costs. The SNP has challenged the UK government to "come out of hiding" and address the cost of living crisis.
Alison Thewlis, MP for Glasgow Central, described the fuel poverty report as "horrifying" and urged Westminster to take action.
She said: "This truly horrifying study must finally alert the UK government to come out of hiding and address the Tory-made cost of living crisis.
"So far, the Prime Minister and Chancellor have done nothing to help ease the squeeze for households, with rising bills and soaring inflation reaching levels not seen since Margaret Thatcher.
"There can be no more delays. The Prime Minister and Chancellor must finally recall Parliament and deliver an emergency budget which will freeze the energy price cap rise, scrap VAT on fuel and deliver meaningful and long-lasting financial support to households.
"Failure to do so could have devastating consequences for millions of families across these islands."
Scottish Labour energy spokesman Colin Smyth said: "This terrifying research lays bare the scale of the challenge we are facing.
"This is nothing short of a national emergency, but both of our governments are missing in action.
"The grim reality is lives will be on the line this winter if these price hikes go ahead.
"That’s why Labour has set out clear proposals that would stop these devastating price increases and provide people with the help they need."
Conor Forbes, the organisation's policy director, said: "“With inflation at a 40-year-high these are worrying times for Scots.
"Soaring prices for food and fuel have heaped pressure on households already struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.
"As gas energy prices continue to rise, it will be a difficult winter for many.
"But our experts at energyadvice.scot can help anyone in Scotland with free, impartial and practical advice.
"We urge people across Scotland not to struggle alone."
Labour announced plans earlier this week for the energy price cap to be frozen at the current level, meaning that the expected rises in October and January would not go ahead.
Keir Starmer said the £29 billion scheme would mean the energy cap to be frozen at its current level of £1,971.
He insisted that Labour “wouldn’t let people pay a penny more” on their winter fuel bills.
Tory leadership frontrunner Liz Truss has previously suggested she is opposed to offering hard-up families any more direct financial support.
She told one newspaper earlier this month: "I would do things in a Conservative way of lowering the tax burden, not giving out handouts."
A UK Government spokesperson said: “We know people are concerned about rising prices, which is why we are delivering £1,200 extra support to eight million of the most vulnerable households in the UK this year.
“Through our £37bn support package we are also saving the typical employee over £330 a year through a tax cut in July, allowing people on Universal Credit to keep £1,000 more of what they earn and cutting fuel duty by 5p saving a typical family £100.
“We have also provided the Scottish Government with a record £41 billion settlement for the next three years and the Scottish Government has significant control over taxes and benefits.”
