Encouraging measures were introduced by the UK Government today.
It helps the most vunerable with immediate effect 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 inline 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.
All in all this is a good deal for the energy suppliers, the consumer and the government & a vital “next step” into eradicating fuel poverty in the UK.
Footnote: It also is a good deal for the enviroment as it concentrates specifically on reductions in fuel consumption and involves lasting changes in the way energy is used.
