Sample News Story
UK energy watchdog calls for investigation into high residential gas prices
04/12/2006
Energywatch, the UK energy watchdog, today called for the government, competition and regulatory authorities and energy suppliers to take urgent action to address fuel poverty in the wake of increasing consumer energy prices. The call follows figures published by the price comparison service TheEnergyShop.com, which show that while gas wholesale prices have been falling dramatically since May, helped by a mild winter and improved supplies, consumer prices have continued to rise.
Energywatch director of campaigns Adam Scorer said: “[The government] can extend winter fuel payments to people with disabilities and children in low income families, press competition authorities to investigate why consumers are still facing energy prices that top £1,000/year, and encourage suppliers to provide affordable energy for low income families and stop charging the poor more for pre payment meters.”
Average gas bills in the UK have risen by 94% since January 2003 and electricity by 60%, bringing the average household joint bill for gas and electricity to around £1,000/year. During this time, fuel poverty has increased by one million households, bringing the total number of households affected to 3 million. energywatch has launched a consultation into the nature of social tariffs in the energy market this week. The closing date for submissions is January 19.