Most people in Scotland are worried about being unable to pay energy bills in 2022, new polling revealed.

Research commissioned by Citizen Advice Scotland (CAS) from YouGov found 70 per cent of Scots were worried about bills becoming less affordable by November 2022. 

More than one in five said they were “very worried”.

The figures come after a year of challenges in the energy market, with the price cap increasing twice, and multiple suppliers exiting the market.

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The energy price cap is set to be lifted again in April, and could mean another record rise in bills for consumers, according to CAS.

CAS Fair Markets spokesperson Kate Morrison said: “After a challenging year for consumers in 2021 when it comes to energy costs, people are bracing themselves for a tough year in 2022.

“People have already had two difficult price rises in the past twelve months, and all the evidence points to further record rises this coming year. 

“That, added to rising inflation more generally, will see some people really struggle.

“It’s also important to note that people are worried about bills becoming more unaffordable – so that doesn’t just mean higher bills but more challenging household budgets generally, from rising prices in the shops to falling or stagnant incomes.

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“The good news for consumers in the CAB network is here to help. 

“We’ve been giving free, impartial and confidential advice for over 80 years and during the pandemic we unlocked around £147 million for people. 

“For energy advice, people who saw a gain were around £272 better off.

“You don’t have to feel powerless about rising bills this year, the Citizens Advice network can help.”

The charity has released the figures as part of Big Energy Saving Winter, a campaign encouraging people to get advice to manage the rising costs of energy bills.