Response to Ofgem on Energy Debt Relief

Citizens Advice Scotland has responded to Ofgem's consultation on a debt relief scheme. The response highlights the huge demand for energy debt advice and makes recommendations about the scheme's design. The key points are:

• Ofgem should introduce a debt relief scheme urgently.
• Ofgem should engage the UK Government to obtain funding for an enduring debt relief scheme that supports people in energy debt after Ofgem’s proposed measures end.
• Ofgem should explore establishing a pre-approved level of support that allows organisations to build capacity before delivering the scheme.
• The scheme should include debt-matching and debt write-offs.
• We do not support Ofgem’s suggestion that only debt and arrears accrued between 1 April 2022 and 31 March 2024 should be eligible for relief.
• Setting a minimum level of indebtedness risks excluding people who need debt relief.
• Ofgem should use multiple affordability proxies. Using only Warm Home Discount presents particular problems in Scotland.
• Access to the scheme should not be conditional on making previous payments.

You can download and read the report using the link below.