Households across Scotland that rely on electricity for heating are facing renewed pressure this winter, according to a leader at one of the country’s prominent advice charities.

Despite the energy price cap appearing relatively stable, changes within it could have a disproportionate impact on all-electric homes – especially during the colder months. This is particularly significant in Scotland, where a large number of households have no access to mains gas and instead rely entirely on electric heating.

That’s the view of Money Matters’ Chief Operating Officer Audrey Laing, who leads a team of dedicated advisors aimed at improving people’s financial wellbeing across Scotland.

Audrey said: “The price cap seems benign in the sense that’s it’s not gone up by much but within that, electric pricing has changed the most so all electric households will suffer most. And as the cold and snow comes, homes will require a lot more heating which will build up even more debt over the course of the next three months.

“It isn’t even just geographically challenged properties with no choice of on-grid gas that are at risk. There is a lot of social housing which is all-electric and costs are often exacerbated by not understanding how to work heating efficiently as possible.”

The consequences can be severe. Fuel poverty is closely linked to poorer health outcomes, and winter is traditionally the period when excess winter deaths rise. For families already under financial strain, higher energy bills can force difficult choices between heating, food and other essentials.

Money Matters, which is part-funded by the British Gas Energy Trust, is responding by delivering tailored, holistic support to clients across Scotland. Rather than focusing solely on energy advice, the charity works with individuals to understand their full circumstances, offering one-to-one guidance and community events that combine practical energy advice with wider financial support.

Audrey added: “The funding from British Gas Energy Trust allows us to be holistic with clients – we go way above just energy advice and that’s very beneficial for clients who may be able to claim money they’re entitled to but hadn’t realised. It’s also good to go into the early intervention and prevention space, helping clients learn things that will prevent future harm in health, finance or income.”

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