Energy suppliers need to act to help the more vulnerable

 

March 29, 2008

The UK’s major energy suppliers have been warned that they need to do more to help those on low incomes and the more vulnerable when it comes to energy price affordability. This is the warning that came from the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Alistair Darling, in his recent first budget. Darling has expressed concern over the affordability of energy prices for poorer and more vulnerable consumers, and has said that energy forms must do something to address this issue.

The chancellor is trying to get a better deal for customers that currently pay for their energy usage through pre-paid meters. The energy suppliers have stated that they already spend around £50 million on helping poorer customers, but Darling stated: “I want to see this rising to at least 150 million pounds a year over the period ahead. We are committed to helping people who need the help most… We will legislate if it is necessary.”

Darling has indicated that if energy firms do not act voluntarily to help poorer customers then they will be forced to take action by the government.

He said: “We want to see the 5 million customers on prepayment meters given a fairer deal and energy companies to increase their support to vulnerable customers.” He added that since 2002 costs for energy usage had tripled, and that he also intended to take action to ensure increased affordability for the elderly in the winter months.

Over the past couple of months the major energy suppliers in the UK have raised their prices by a significant amount, with the last of the big six suppliers, Scottish and Southern Energy, announcing its price hikes earlier this week.

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Written by admin · Filed Under Energy, Utilities 

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