Rising energy costs - Charities seek rebate for elderly

Monday, 14 July 2008

The average household energy bill could rise from £1000 to £1400 by the end of the year - an increase of 40%.

To help vulnerable customers Age Concern and Help the Aged have called on energy companies to fund a fuel voucher scheme, where pensioners over 70 years receive a £50 rebate on their bills this winter.

Director General of Age Concern, Gordon Lishman says "£50 is by no means enough, but alongside the winter fuel payment it would at least offer some comfort to millions of pensioners facing a bleak winter."

The call came shortly before nine energy firm representatives prepared to appear before the Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) committee to account for the recent price hikes. The charities said the six biggest companies - British Gas, Scottish Power, E.ON, Scottish & Southern, npower and EDF - should fund the fuel voucher scheme, which would be paid in conjunction with their Winter Fuel Payment.

For assistance with rising energy costs please visit steps to cheaper energy bills.

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