| Fuel poverty proposals under fire |
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| 30 May 2008 | |
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The government has responded to a campaign to help vulnerable people combat fuel poverty by introducing a range of new measures. The move is designed to support effortsd by elderly and at-risk families to make their homes warmer and more energy efficient. But experts said people need more immediate help. The government plans to change the law to allow data-sharing with energy suppliers so that consumers can ensure they're on the best-value tariff. The government is also setting up a pilot scheme to ensure people applying for Warm Front grants are referred to their energy supplier for tariff advice so that they can make maximum savings. The initiatives come after Ofgem's fuel poverty summit last month, where attendees - such as Age Concern - called for better energy efficiency in homes and advances in data sharing. But the plans were met with concern by an energy efficiency expert. Neil Marshall, CEO of the not-for-profit National Insulation Association, said: "Why is no-one talking about investing more money into the most effective, long-lasting way of combating fuel price rises and energy efficiency in the home? By insulating cavity walls and loft space, savings of around £200 off energy bills can immediately be made year-on-year - and there are many grants available, particularly to the vulnerable and elderly, which can provide free help."
He said that more needs to be done in terms of investment by the Government, as well as getting the message out there to the public so that they can take advantage of existing grants. Scott Byrom, utilities manager at moneysupermarket, said: "With only 0.11% of the UK's energy giants' turnover spent on social tariffs and helping those in the poorest households, it is high time more is done to help the most vulnerable customers. These measures don't go far enough to help the majority of those who face fuel poverty. With the cost of gas and electricity on the rise, action needs to be taken now to prevent the number of people in fuel poverty escalating. "At present, social tariffs, aimed at the four million British households in fuel poverty, wildly vary between the energy providers and don't always seem to offer the best value, with better deals found online. This needs to be addressed first and foremost to ensure immediate help is given to those who need it most. "Vulnerable customers struggling to pay their energy bills need to be proactive and contact their energy supplier to see what options are available with regards to reducing their energy bills. Likewise, energy suppliers need to ensure adequate support is readily available and help is delivered efficiently." Tag this article :     |
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