Energy bills leave one in four 'cutting back'

Wednesday, 18 March 2009 12:52 PM

One in four of us are cutting back on essentials such as food in order to afford winter energy bills, according to research by Consumer Focus.

The research shows how a combination of high fuel prices and a cold winter has left two thirds of people across Britain with larger energy bills than they had expected.

Consumer Focus is calling for MPs to support the Fuel Poverty Bill at its second reading this Friday, March 20th. The Bill, which will be introduced by David Heath MP, aims to 'fuel poverty proof' homes, making them as energy efficient as a home built today, and reducing energy bills by up to 70 per cent. It would also ensure energy companies provide the lowest price for vulnerable households until their homes are improved.

The Consumer Focus research found the poorest consumers fared worst, with 72 per cent receiving a larger winter bill than expected, and 61 per cent cutting back on basics to make ends meet.

Jonathan Stearn, Consumer Focus energy expert, said: "It is disgraceful that huge winter energy bills are causing such misery for so many of the most vulnerable families, pensioners and disabled people.

"Recent meagre energy price cuts will barely dent fuel poverty levels, but if the Fuel Poverty Bill before Parliament this Friday is passed it could help millions of those struggling to make ends meet. Decisive action by MPs is needed to support this Bill to keep the poorest homes warm."

There are currently around 5.4 million households in fuel poverty in the UK, but Consumer Focus estimates although the current energy price cuts could lift up to a maximum of 200,000 households out of fuel poverty, rising unemployment figures will lead to a similar number being falling into fuel poverty.

Gordon Lishman, director general of Age Concern, said: "Older people are more likely than any other age group to be affected by fuel poverty and are hit particularly hard by high energy prices.

"If older people cut back on their heating during a colder winter this could lead to a rise in the numbers affected by cold-related illnesses, which contribute to thousands of the excess winter deaths of older people each year.

"The government and energy companies must ensure the poorest pensioners and families get a fair deal. It is essential that social tariffs are reformed and the pricing penalties leaving cash, cheque and pre-payment customers paying more for their energy are removed."

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