Gas and electricity price hikes
Published on 12 October 2012 01:30 PM
Responding to reports that two major energy suppliers are raising their gas and electricity prices by up to 9 per cent, Age Cymru's Director of Influencing and Programme Development Victoria Lloyd says:
"Cold homes pose a serious risk to the health of older people, yet huge numbers of older people cannot afford to heat their homes properly.
"Reports of price hikes as we head into winter will leave many older people feeling extremely anxious about their heating bills.
"Inevitably, these increases will tip increasing numbers of older people into fuel poverty this winter.
"Fuel poverty already affects 320,000 households in Wales, those who need to spend 10 per cent or more of their income on fuel in order to maintain adequate heating.
"One of the key factors that influence whether someone will be living in fuel poverty is the cost of energy.
"Under the present pricing regime energy companies appear to pass on price rises much quicker than they cut bills when the wholesale cost of fuel goes down.
"It is vital that the Welsh and Westminster governments work with Ofgem to ensure that customers are paying a fair price for gas and electricity.
"In the meantime, older people and their families can call Age UK Advice on 0800 169 65 65 for free information and advice."