THE UK energy price cap rise could push homes across West Dunbartonshire into extreme fuel poverty, the area's MP has warned.

The new energy price cap came into effect on Saturday (October 1) and saw the average household energy bill rising by 27%, from £1,971 a year to £2,500.

West Dunbartonshire’s MP Martin Docherty-Hughes has said that the UK Government’s price cap is not enough to prevent homes in the region being pushed into financial hardship this winter. 

Martin Docherty Hughes said: “This Westminster government is kidding itself on if it thinks it’s done enough to tackle soaring rates of fuel poverty.  

“Across West Dunbartonshire, I’m hearing from struggling families and small businesses who are deeply concerned about how they’re going to cope with increasing prices and rising bills. 

“With winter fast approaching, people are afraid to turn on their central heating.

"It’s estimated that more than half of households in West Dunbartonshire could be pushed into fuel poverty, which is utterly appalling in an energy-rich country like Scotland. 

“Scotland’s vast energy resources have been squandered by repeated British governments.

"The UK economic crisis shows why Scotland needs to escape Westminster control once and for all.” 

The Energy Price Guarantee limits the price paid per unit of gas and electricity used – however, actual bills are determined by how much energy is consumed.

The typical annual bill under the new energy price cap will be £3,330 for a detached house, £2,650 for a semi-detached house, and £1,750 for someone living in a purpose-built flat, according to government figures.

Households will also receive the first installment of a non-repayable £400 payment from the government’s Energy Bill Support Scheme in their October electricity bill.

This discount will automatically be applied monthly in six installments between October 2022 and March 2023.

The Scottish Government has also warned that the energy cap rise will mean around 860,000 homes across the country will be living in fuel poverty.

A UK Government spokesperson said: “The UK Government has taken decisive action to shield households and businesses in Scotland from these global price rises.

"The Energy Price Guarantee will save the average household £1,000 per year on their energy bills, on top of the £400 discount which started to be paid in installments from 1st October.

“The UK Government has also provided an extra £82 million for the Scottish Government to help vulnerable families at their discretion.

"This is in addition to the significant income tax and welfare powers they already have.”