Yours may be one of the millions of households breathing a sigh of relief at news of the recent energy prices cuts from all the ‘Big 6’ energy suppliers.
Finally, some respite after what seemed like an age of sky high gas and electricity bills combined with the coldest winter for decades which left millions struggling to pay their bills.
This week packs a hard punch for those who were beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel, because according to research done by price comparison website Moneysupermarket.com; households will continue to struggle to settle their winter energy bills of on average £555 for the quarter despite the fall in energy prices.
This is because the price cuts are not effective until the end of this month, and will do little to help households facing inflated winter bills.
The research delivered the following facts about household worries about energy bills:
- A staggering 78% of UK households could not turn on their heating when they needed because they were concerned about paying their gas and electricity bills
- 22% of this 78% were forced turn their heating off because they were worried about the cost
- This year’s prices cuts from the ‘Big 6’ energy suppliers fail to offer enough support to bill payers
Talking about the research, Scott Byrom – utilities manager at Moneysupermarket.com said, ‘While we have seen providers beginning to reduce their prices, these cuts have unfortunately been a drop in the ocean, and most don’t come into effect until the end of the month. With energy bills coming down by just 3.8 per cent on average, consumers will need to see further reductions before they can afford their bills.’
He added, ‘Our research shows people resorted to drastic measures such as not turning on their heating at all because they simply could not afford it – I am sure they will be breathing a sigh of relief now that we are moving into spring.’
A study was also done by Uswitch.com which revealed a similar picture; over one in ten households were left in the cold because of concerns about their heating costs, and a further 37% occasionally turned off their heating for the same reason. It concluded around 13million homes may have gone without any heating during the winter months because they were worried about paying for it.
Uswitch.com’s research also revealed one in five customers is still struggling to pay their bills. Its director of consumer policy, Ann Robinson said, ‘The reality this winter is that many households were forced into a self-imposed ‘ice age’ with people cutting down or rationing their heating due to concerns about cost.’
She added, ‘It raises a huge question mark over the ongoing affordability of energy in Britain.’
Customers are being advised by the likes of Uswitch.com and Moneysupermarket.com to be proactive and look for the best deals online rather than wait for energy suppliers to make their moves.
Sources:
http://www.moneynews.co.uk/8259/energy-bill-cuts-add-insult-to-injury-says-expert/
http://www.debtfixers.co.uk/dmp-news/debt-help-could-assist-brits-struggling-with-energy-bills-305.aspx
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/city-news/2010/03/23/13-million-homes-turn-down-heating-to-reduce-fuel-bills-115875-22131599/
