Scottish Power price increase “disappointing”, says Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice has responded to Scottish Power’s announcement that the supplier is raising its standard variable gas and electricity prices.

Victoria MacGregor, Director of Energy at Citizens Advice, said:

“It’s disappointing to see Scottish Power raising the price of its standard variable tariff (SVT).

“Following British Gas and EDF last week, Scottish Power also uses Ofgem’s reasoning for raising the prepayment meter cap - wholesale and policy cost increases - to justify this rise. But as SVT customers are cheaper to serve, it’s unclear why it’s necessary for their tariff to rise by this amount.

“Scottish Power needs to explain to consumers why this price rise is truly needed.

“Customers who aren’t happy with their current supplier can use Citizens Advice’s price comparison tool to get the best information on cost and customer service to help them switch to another company.”

Notes to editors

  1. Citizens Advice has a statutory role as the consumer advocate for energy consumers across the UK.

  2. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local Citizens Advice, all of which are independent charities, the Citizens Advice consumer service and national charity Citizens Advice. Together we help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more see the Citizens Advice website .

  3. The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.

  4. To get advice online or find your local Citizens Advice in England and Wales, visit citizensadvice.org.uk

  5. You can get consumer advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 or 03454 04 05 05 for Welsh language speakers.

  6. Local Citizens Advice in England and Wales advised 2.5 million clients on 6.2 million problems in 2014/15. For full service statistics see our publication  Advice trends .

  7. Citizens Advice service staff are supported by more than 21,000 trained volunteers, working at over 2,500 service outlets across England and Wales.