Households are being urged to submit energy meter readings ahead of changes to the price cap.
Homes across Scotland are being encouraged to act before the new Ofgem price cap takes effect on January 1 to ensure they are not overcharged.
Advice Direct Scotland, which operates the national energy advice service energyadvice.scot, is reminding people to provide up-to-date meter readings before midnight on December 31.
The price cap, set by the energy regulator Ofgem and updated every three months, limits the amount energy suppliers can charge households on default tariffs.
From January 1, the cap will rise from £1755 to £1758 per year for a typical household, a 0.2% increase.
Providing an accurate meter reading before the change ensures that energy used under the current, slightly lower rate will not be charged at the higher January rate.
People who cannot submit readings before December 31 should do so as close to the date as possible.
Smart meter users should confirm that their devices are functioning correctly, while taking a photograph of the meter can help resolve any future billing disputes.
Advice Direct Scotland also recommends reviewing available tariffs, although the most competitive deals often require a smart meter or target higher-income customers.
The next Ofgem price cap announcement will take place in February, with current forecasts predicting a small decrease in April.
Despite these changes, household energy costs remain substantially higher than they were before the energy crisis began in autumn 2021.
Many consumers continue to face high levels of energy debt and financial strain.
Advice Direct Scotland is encouraging anyone worried about their energy bills to seek support from its free, impartial experts.
The service can be contacted online at www.energyadvice.scot or by calling 0808 196 8660.
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Jillian Edmund, energy project lead at Advice Direct Scotland, said: "The rise in the price cap on New Year’s Day might be small, but with many households stretching their budgets to the limit in the build-up to Christmas, it is still unwelcome.
"Thousands of people across the country are still struggling with the cost of their energy bills, which remain far higher than they were when the crisis began.
"With energy prices not expected to fall significantly any time soon, it is crucial to stay on top of your bills and check if cheaper deals are available with other suppliers.
"It is also important to submit meter readings before the new price cap comes into force, to prevent any overcharging.
"For extra peace of mind, take a dated photo of your meter, and if you have a smart meter, make sure it’s working.
"Anyone who is struggling this winter should also remember that help and advice is available."
Advice Direct Scotland continues to call for the introduction of a social energy tariff, which could put the most vulnerable customers on the cheapest deals.
Eligibility for such a tariff could be determined by a variety of metrics.
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