Commenting on Ofgem’s investigation into energy firms, Tavish Scott, leader of the Liberal Democrats in Scotland said:

“People are puzzled that the energy companies’ gas and electricity charges all go up by the same amount at the same time. This report will do little to dispel consumers’ concern that something is not quite right.

“In Scotland a higher percentage of household income is spent keeping the home warm than the rest of the UK. Ofgem’s report shows that this is much worse for people on low incomes. The Government must address the needs of people in these desperate circumstances as winter approaches.

“It is grossly unfair that the poorest customers often have to pay the most for electricity and gas just because they use pre-pay meters. This penalty must end now.”