Standing charges on energy bills
Published on 04 October 2013 11:00 AM
Age Cymru is concerned about changes that are being introduced to energy bills from next week.
Gas and electricity customers will pay daily standing charges regardless of whether or not they use gas or electricity.
Our Head of Policy and Public Affairs Graeme Francis says:
"Bills are a major part in an older person's expenditure.
"A lot of people turn down their heating in the winter because they worry they are not going to be able to afford it.
"Standing charges may penalise people that don't use very much energy or those who spend time away from their property.
"If someone goes into hospital or a care home, this is potentially a real problem as they will have no way of controlling their bills.
"These people will be paying an amount every month whether they use any energy or not.
"We want Ofgem to reassess its guidance to energy companies about energy bills and for the fuel companies to be more sensitive to the needs of pensioners."