The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) has commented on the rise in energy prices by Npower.

In a statement, the firm said it is "concerned" that the latest price hike – of 10.4% – will only cause more people in Scotland to experience fuel poverty.

David Stewart, SFHA Policy Manager said: "The SFHA is dismayed and disappointed that Npower has followed SSE and British Gas by raising its energy prices. This will push more Scottish households into fuel poverty.

"We already know that a third of households in Scotland are living in fuel poverty, often facing a choice between heating and eating. This increase in prices will push more people into that stark choice and comes at a time when many are already struggling financially due to the UK Government's welfare spending cuts.

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"Housing associations and co-operatives have the most energy efficient homes in Scotland. However, over the past few years, hikes in fuel prices have posed a real challenge to our members who often house vulnerable people who are living on low incomes.

"Another price increase like this means that it is more important than ever that significant investment is made in retrofitting existing homes in order to improve their energy efficiency. This will in turn protect households against the impacts of future price rises.

"We urge the energy companies to work with social landlords to invest in programmes that will improve the energy efficiency of their homes."

(JP/CD)