An MSP has said that people in Scotland are finding it difficult to pay their energy bills.
Jamie Hepburn of the SNP noted that the average household spent 14 per cent of total income on gas and electricity in 2009.
This is a substantial increase from the eight per cent of income spent on energy in 2004-05.
Mr Hepburn described the rise as "scandalous", pointing out that more homeowners are struggling than ever before.
"These hikes are hitting already under pressure households - many households have already reached the limit of what they can afford," he added.
"People are really feeling the pressure from power companies and price rises. The UK government needs to re-evaluate the energy market and start helping those in fuel poverty."
Wholesale gas prices have increased sharply over the last year and this has been passed on to consumers across the country.
Five out of the Big Six energy suppliers have or are planning to raise their tariffs between ten and 20 per cent over the coming months.
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