A brief covering what we need to see on the transition to net zero in Party manifestos for the upcoming Scottish election.

Evidence and insight from Citizens Advice Scotland

A response to a Ofgem consultation from Citizens Advice Scotland, January 2026.

Key Points

• Energy debt is out of control across Scotland, and the key driver is high costs
• Measures to address the crisis of energy debt need to be focused on the urgent introduction of a new social tariff and a more comprehensive, robust debt write off scheme
• Citizens Advice Scotland does not support the proposals for tackling debt in the home-move process. Our evidence shows that these measures are likely to be ineffectual and unworkable, with a significant risk of harm, particularly for people in vulnerable situations
• The proposals for changes to the home-moves process would put people at risk of disconnection, with harmful consequences for physical, mental and financial wellbeing
• Trust between people and energy suppliers needs to be rebuilt through communication from suppliers that is accurate, accessible and empathetic, plus proactive measures to alleviate the pressure on those worst affected, rather than through punitive actions.

Response from Citizens Advice Scotland

The latest edition of the Energy Brief underlining the pressing energy challenges people across Scotland.

This is the fourth volume of the Energy Brief: a short but significant publication highlighting unique evidence from our network. 

This is the third volume of the Energy Brief: a short but significant publication highlighting unique evidence from our network. 

The RTS switch-off is putting people across Scotland in jeopardy.

A consultation response from Citizens Advice Scotland.

The slidedeck for foreCASt episode 3 covering our insight into energy issues.

This consultation response covers our views and recommendations alongside our client experiences with Protected Trust Deeds.

The purpose of this report is to examine the detriment experienced by clients of Citizens Advice Scotland’s network in Protected Trust Deeds (PTDs) and to suggest recommendations to address this.

This is the second installment of our quarterly briefing showcasing our evidence and insight into energy - the issues that are causing people in Scotland harm and the solutions needed to address these.

This winter

• Almost one in every five people who walked through our doors received energy advice.
• We’ve supported more than 9,000 people across Scotland with their energy needs.
• People seeking advice from our network had an average energy debt of £2,500 – an 8% increase from last year. The average energy debt in rural Scotland is more than £3,100.
• Two in every five people (40%) who asked for energy advice needed other support, with more than half (55%) requiring advice on social security.

Read our Energy Brief below to find out more.

Citizens Advice Scotland has responded to Ofgem's consultation on a debt relief scheme.

This is a quarterly briefing showcases our evidence and insight into energy - the issues that are causing people in Scotland harm and the solutions needed to address these.

Ofgem recently consulted on refreshing its Consumer Vulnerability Strategy and CAS responded. 

This submission incorporates feedback from the Citizens Advice network in Scotland, including our Extra Help Unit (EHU), to the Energy Crisis Commission. 

Research from Citizens Advice Scotland.

Citizens Advice Scotland has responded to Ofgem's Call for Input on affordability and debt.

An evaluation of the "Stressed About Debt?" campaign, which ran from February 2024 until the start of April 2024. 

Citizens Advice Scotland has responded to Ofgem's discussion paper on future price protections.

An evaluation of the Worried This Winter? energy support campaign, which ran from November 2023 until the end of January 2024. 

Citizens Advice Scotland has responded to the Scottish Government’s Heat in Buildings consultation. 

Citizens Advice Scotland has responded to Ofgem's call for input on standing charges.

An evaluation of the 2022-23 Big Energy Saving Winter campaign.

Citizens Advice Scotland responded to the Ofgem consultation on prepayment meters.

A report into the experiences of Citizens Advice Bureaux clients on prepayment meters.

In October 2022 eight Citizens Advice Bureaux (CABs) across Scotland held a series of focus groups with hard-to-reach and vulnerable consumers. The groups shaped the Big Energy Saving Winter campaign for 2022/23, and insights from them are in the attached report.