Energy price rises announced in the last few weeks have sparked debt fears for thousands of consumers worried about the size of their bills if we have a harsh winter.
More than 30,000 people called Citizens’ Advice in 13 days after the price rises were announced, double the normal number.
Fear
Chief executive Gillian Guy says: “The huge number of people seeking advice since the announcements were made is a barometer of consumer fear about energy bills. Barely a day goes by without the bad news of another energy price increase.
“Price rises, just as the temperatures start to drop, means people will see their bills this winter soar. Households are finding it really difficult to cope with the increases in cost of living.”
Price rises
Scottish Power was the fourth of the big six to raise its prices, following British Gas, SSE and Npower. The remaining two – EDF and E-on – are expected to announce their prices rises soon.
Debt charities say that more than 4.5 million households in the UK are already in arrears with their utility bill payments – a figure which has doubled since March of this year.
Worried
Age UK are warning that over three million people aged over 65 are concerned about staying warm in their own home this winter with a further six million being worried about the seemingly no-stop rise in their bills.
Charity director Caroline Abrahams says: “It’s vital for older people to keep warm, both inside and outside their homes, in the winter months. Being cold, even for just a short amount of time, can be very dangerous as it increases the risk of associated health problems and preventable deaths.
Hard facts
The charity’s Spread The Winter Warmth campaign presents some hard hitting facts:
- This winter 24,000 people may not survive the cold weather.
- There could be as many as 200 preventable deaths a day.
- Almost half of excess winter deaths are due to heart attack and strokes
- Most old people have no idea what temperature their living rooms (70 degrees) or bedrooms (64 degrees) should be heated to for them to stay safe.
The charity is calling on good neighbours, friends and family to keep a special eye on the most vulnerable members of our society to make sure they stay warm and well. They are also calling on MPs of all parties to support investment to boost the energy efficiency of old people’s homes.
Can you save money by switching?
If you’ve never switched before and need help in working out what to do, Money Club can help in two ways:
a) Call us on 0800 142 2180 and one of our experts will be able to discuss the issues with you and will also be able to offer you a completely free financial review
b) Visit our utilities switching page where we have a link to our partners uSwitch.com who can give you a full comparison of the energy tariffs available to you
Cheapest
Even if you think you’re on the cheapest tariff, uSwitch may still be able to find you a cheaper tariff for your particular needs.
Switching is quick, simple and hassle free with no-one coming round to your home to swap meters. You simply start paying your bill to a different company.
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