MORE people from Inverclyde than anywhere else in Scotland have sought advice on how to pay their energy bills over the last year, new figures have revealed.

MSP Stuart McMillan was told during a visit to the head office of charity Advice Direct Scotland that over 800 enquiries were made by local people – the highest number in the country.

The top three Scottish Parliament constituencies in terms of energy advice enquiries over the past year were Greenock & Inverclyde with 810, Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn with 759 and Glasgow Kelvin with 735.

Issues covered ranged from general queries and billing advice to help with debt and disconnections, prepayment meters and energy suppliers that had failed.

Mr McMillan met the charity’s chief executive Andrew Bartlett, deputy Pamela Stewart and policy director Conor Forbes just over a week after the new Ofgem price cap kicked in on new year’s day, with the average household annual energy bill rising by £94 to £1,928.

Mr McMillan said: “It was a pleasure to meet the team who have supported so many of my constituents.

"ADS produce statistics which show how many people contact their services from each constituency – and these show that more people have contacted energyadvice.scot from Inverclyde than any other Scottish Parliament constituency in Scotland.

“This is both welcome and concerning: welcome that people know of the service and are reaching out, but concerning that so many people feel they need support.

"My message is clear however, ADS is there to support anyone who needs advice, across a range of areas relating to the current cost-of-living crisis.

“I would also encourage more people to apply for the Home Heating Support Fund, which offers significant support to people struggling with their energy bills. The team at ADS can help with this, or my constituents can contact my office for help with the application.  

“I want to thank Andrew and his team for all the work they are undertaking helping support people across Scotland through what has been one of the most challenging winters we have collectively faced in living memory."

Advice Direct Scotland offers everyone in Scotland impartial guidance on key issues, at no cost and regardless of personal circumstance.  

One of its areas of expertise is energy, with staff providing a crucial service at a time when many are struggling to pay their gas and electricity bills and are worrying about rising costs over the winter.  

Mr Bartlett added: “In the current climate, with people struggling with the cost-of-living and sky-high energy bills, the service we provide has never been more important.

“From debt issues to consumer rights, we provide free, practical, and impartial advice to anyone in Scotland and engage with almost one million people each year.

“It is crucial for people to know that they don't have to face these challenges alone, as a range of support options are available. “

If you find yourself rationing energy or struggling to afford other essentials, reaching out for help is essential.”

To contact the charity see www.energyadvice.scot or freephone 0808 196 8660, Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm.