Yes, that statement is generally true. Both starch and sugar are carbohydrates, and they provide approximately the same amount of energy when metabolized.
1 gram of carbohydrates, whether from starch or sugar, typically yields about 4 Calories (kilocalories) of energy.
However, it's worth noting that the way these carbohydrates are digested and metabolized can differ. Starch, being a complex carbohydrate, needs to be broken down into simpler sugars through digestion, whereas sugar (like glucose or sucrose) is already in a simpler form and can be used more quickly by the body.
In terms of caloric content, though, they are similar.