Gas price warning
Published on 11 May 2012 01:00 PM
Responding to a warning from British Gas owner Centrica that rising wholesale gas prices could see energy bills rise by 15% next winter, Victoria Lloyd, Age Cymru's Director of Influencing and Programme Development says:
"Spiralling energy costs in recent years have led to a great deal of uncertainty for gas consumers, particularly for older people during the winter months.
"Age Cymru understands that the fluctuating cost of commodities means that it is difficult to stabilise the price we pay for gas, but we are very concerned that the long-term trend - highlighted by today's announcement, does seem to be towards rising energy price rises.
"Clearly the UK Government must establish whether customers are paying a fair price for gas and electricity and better manage the various factors which are pushing energy prices upwards.
"Today's announcement also highlights the need for a wider strategy to tackle fuel poverty - which affects an estimated 320,000 households in Wales, and is a contributory factor in 1,500 excess winter deaths in Wales each year."