Encouraging measures were introduced by the UK Government in 2008 aimed at helping the most vulnerable to save money on energy bills while helping the vast majority of UK gas and electricity consumers to pay less for home energy.
The measures included
- Most vulnerable and pensioners to get immediate help in insulating their homes
- Half a million people on social tariffs will see no rise in their fuel costs this winter
- Winter fuel allowance raised to £400 for over 80′s
- Plans to lower pre-payment meter charges in line with normal payment plan charges
- An increase in funding for the warm front programme.
- A clamp down on uncompetitive behavior in the energy sector
- Insulation funding available to every household in the UK
- 50 percent of the cost of insulation available to households who fall outside the free funding threshold
The energy suppliers including for the first time the electricity generating companies will pay for the measures at a cost to them of £910 million, which the government “does not expect” to be passed on to customers, thereby saving the need to introduce a winfall tax which is after all a good deal for the energy suppliers, the consumer and the government, but is also a vital “next step” into eradicating fuel poverty in the UK.
UPDATE 15/07/11
Yesterday it was reported that there was actually a 1 million rise in the number of households suffering from fuel poverty in 2009.
The governments response was to reiterate that they are still engaging in home improvement schemes to tackle un-insulated homes which would help people cut their heating costs.
The fuel poverty schemes aims we reported on above are still to be applauded, however, the problem now seems to be that as householders cut their energy usage, the top power companies try to maintain their profits by putting up the cost of their gas & electricity unit prices.
Obviously this has the effect of negating any home energy cost savings made by insulating our homes or cutting back on our usage.
In other words, it seems that the less energy we use, the more it seems to cost !!
- Tell “SID” How To Pay Less With Social Fuel Tariff’s
- Pay Less For Your Gas & Electricity By Changing To A Cheaper Provider
- British Gas Raise Energy Prices From August 2011
- Save Money With Home Energy Efficiency Grants – Pay Less To Heat Your Home
