A charity is concerned that Ofgem's hike in energy bills from January will "undoubtedly force more people into debt".

The energy regulator has announced that the energy price cap will increase from £1,717 to £1,738, from January 1.

Advice Direct Scotland, a charity that operates the national energy advice service, has expressed its concern about the rising costs.

The charity highlighted the disparity in regional standing charges, putting Scottish consumers at a disadvantage.

From January, residents in southern Scotland will pay 64.16 pence per day for electricity, while London residents will pay 41.57 pence.

The charity has been campaigning for a social energy tariff that would automatically offer the most vulnerable customers the cheapest deals.

Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, said: "At the end of a week when temperatures have plummeted across Scotland and people’s heating bills have soared, the news that energy is going to get even more expensive in January will come as a shock to many struggling households.

"This situation cannot continue, which is why we have been calling for a UK-wide social energy tariff, which would go some way to fixing the country’s broken energy market and lifting people out of fuel poverty.

“Our view is that the most vulnerable households should automatically be placed on the cheapest energy deal through an opt-out system, so they do not have to take any action to benefit."

The organisation is encouraging Scots to check their energy bills and look for cheaper options with other suppliers.

They are also urging people with smart meters to ensure they are working correctly and those with traditional meters to submit gas and electricity readings to avoid overcharging.

A larger proportion of Scots also lack access to the gas grid and rely on the more expensive electric rate for heating and cooking.

In southern Scotland, the gas unit rate will increase to 6.25 pence per kilowatt-hour (kWh), while electricity will be priced at 24.31 pence.

Advice Direct Scotland is urging anyone struggling with energy-related debt to contact its team of experts for free, impartial, and practical advice.