Hundreds of struggling households across Dumfries and Galloway have sought help with energy problems in the past year, according to new figures.
Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the national service energyadvice.scot, recorded more than 700 gas and electricity-related complaints in the 12 months to April.
Dumfries and Galloway ranked joint ninth in Scotland for the number of disputes, alongside Argyll and Bute.
Problems included billing errors, debt and disconnections, as soaring energy prices and the cost-of-living crisis squeezed family budgets.
This year has also seen a surge in inquiries about the looming mass switch-off of Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters.
Over the past year, the charity provided 180 pieces of general energy advice and dealt with a further 585 specific concerns across Dumfries and Galloway.
Billing issues were the most frequently reported problem, making up 29 per cent of all cases.
Standard meter problems followed at 14 per cent, while debt and disconnections accounted for 11 per cent.
The findings come as households continue to battle higher bills, with regulator Ofgem recently hiking the energy price cap.
Concerns have also been raised about the imminent switch-off of the signal to RTS meters, which are still used by tens of thousands of people across Scotland.
Latest UK Government figures show that around 139,000 devices in Scotland were still in use as of March 7, leaving many at risk of losing heating or hot water if they do not get them replaced before June 30.
Advice Direct Scotland is urging people to check their meters and contact suppliers now as part of a campaign. A countdown clock has been added to its website.
Anyone who has not received a letter or email should contact their supplier immediately.
energyadvice.scot provides free, practical advice and information on energy-related matters to anyone in Scotland, ranging from supplier inquiries and understanding the complaints process, to what to do if experiencing problems with energy bills.
The team can be contacted on 0808 196 8660 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm), or through www.energyadvice.scot.
Conor Forbes, director of policy with Advice Direct Scotland, said:
“These figures show that the energy crisis is far from over and underscore the alarming scale of the cost-of-living crisis.
“As Scotland’s national energy advice service, we’ve seen significant demand from people across Dumfries and Galloway seeking help with bills, debts, and disconnections.
“Since the start of the year, we’ve also seen increasing concerns about the looming switch-off of RTS meters.
“With the June 30 deadline approaching, it’s crucial that anyone still using these meters contacts their supplier to avoid losing heating or hot water.
“Despite the warmer weather, many people are still struggling financially, and assistance is just a phone call away.
“Our advisers can help with understanding energy bills, meter issues, and direct people to the support and benefits they’re entitled to.
“Anyone facing difficulties should visit www.energyadvice.scot or call 0808 196 8660.”
