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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
National
Katie Williams

Glasgow residents react to energy price cap increase as bills set to soar

The energy price cap is set to rise on October 1 by 80 per cent, sending energy bills soaring.

The increase in the price cap means the average yearly bill will hit £3549 and then it will jump again in January with experts predicting a staggering increase to £5,386.

Glasgow Live spoke to local residents to find out how they are feeling after the announcement as experts warn that three quarters of Scottish households are expected to fall into fuel poverty this winter.

READ MORE- Which? issue urgent warning as fraudsters issue 'fake energy refunds' amid cost of living crisis

As inflation hits 10.1 per cent, financial journalist Martin Lewis is urging the UK Government to intervene, adding how frustrating it is that we will have to 'wait until there is a new Prime Minister in office to wait and see what other support there is'.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has called for the price cap rise to be 'cancelled' with the current rate frozen and has demanded a reform of the energy market.

Speaking to Glasgow Live, Harry Mitchell, 22, a Community Manager in gaming from Dennistoun admitted the price rise has made him think about the way he works.

He said: "I've been rather lucky and are making it through by losing savings instead of food and rent, but it raises my anxiety about working from home. It's my most effective way to work, but running a PC all day and all week has me rethinking how I do my job now I see rising bills.

"While I fully blame our government for hiding behind press spectacle and pretending they can't do anything, I also hope businesses can give extra support to those working from home, and I'm encouraging my friends who are to perhaps ask for that reflected in their salary, or expenses."

Harry is worried about his older neighbours as energy prices are set to soar (Harry-Mitchell)

Harry added how he was concerned for his neighbours' welfare, adding: "It also makes me worried for my neighbours, many of whom are elderly and need lots of support. How will they fare this winter? What can I do to help, or should I be focusing on looking after my partner and I? It's added stress to almost every part of life at the moment."

Meanwhile, Glasgow-based financial analyst, Jordan, 27 said: "I don’t think that the Government or the regulator Ofgem are doing enough to protect the people they are supposed to serve. They are enabling the rise of the energy cap to appease Tory donors by letting them keep their massive profits."

26-year-old Lily Georgia from Glasgow said: "I don't know how people can be expected to afford this. It's going to put a lot of people in a dangerous situation as we go into colder months, and it's ridiculous to expect anyone to pay that much anyway, regardless if that can afford it or not!"

Bank analyst Amy, 26, from Anniesland added: "It’s a total disgrace, I’m extremely lucky actually since I'm on a fixed term with a guaranteed price until next August.

"To be honest, I can’t actually believe the price rises are going to go ahead. It is just completely unrealistic and unaffordable for the majority of people so I’m just waiting to hear what is going to be done to help."

A Government Spokesperson said: “We know people are incredibly worried about rising energy bills, following unprecedented gas prices across the continent driven by global events, including Putin’s aggression in Ukraine and his weaponisation of energy in Europe.

“Direct support will continue to reach people’s pockets in the weeks and months ahead, targeted at those who need it most like low-incomes households, pensioners and those with disabilities. As part of our £37 billion package of help for households, one in four of all UK households will see £1,200 extra support, provided in instalments across the year, and everyone will receive a £400 discount on their energy bills over winter.

“The civil service is also making the appropriate preparations in order to ensure that any additional support or commitments on cost of living can be delivered as quickly as possible when the new Prime Minister is in place.”

How do you feel about the rising energy prices? Let us know in the comments.

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