-
The energy price cap has
increased to £1,928 raising the average bill by
£94
-
Union body says workers and
their families have been “left out in the
cold”
Commenting on today’s (Thursday)
energy price cap announcement,
TUC General Secretary Paul
Nowak said:
“This is the last thing families need
as we approach Christmas.
“Energy bills are already 50% higher
than two years ago. And this year minsters have removed any
government support with energy costs— so today’s rise will just
hammer households even harder.
“It didn’t have to be this
way.
“The Conservatives could have helped
bring down bills by imposing a proper windfall tax on the likes
of Shell and BP. But they left billions on the
table.
“And instead of investing in
improvements for draughty homes, they have left people out in the
cold.”
Emily Seymour, Which? Energy Editor, said:
“As the weather gets colder, many households will understandably
be worried to hear today's announcement that the
energy price cap will increase
by five per cent for a typical user from January to
March.
“With millions already struggling to make ends meet, it was
disappointing that the Chancellor did not announce any additional
energy support for this winter or beyond in yesterday's Autumn
Statement. A properly targeted social tariff is desperately
needed to ensure the most financially vulnerable are able to heat
their homes.
“If you are concerned about struggling to pay higher bills, don't
suffer in silence - there is help available. Speak to your energy
provider about a payment plan you can afford and check to see if
you qualify for any government schemes.
"We’d also recommend that everyone without a smart meter takes a
meter reading on or close to 31 December to make sure they don't
overpay for any energy used before the
new price cap takes effect."
ENDS
Notes to editors
Fixed deals
- Fixed deals are starting to return to the market but Which?
would not recommend fixing anything higher than the
unit rates or standing charges in your current deal or
for longer than a year.
- If you are offered a deal, then it is really important to
check the tariff’s exit fees in case you want to leave that deal
early if the price cap comes down or you find a
better deal.
