NEWS
Half of UK can't afford their next fuel bills
16/1/2012
43% of people in the UK are worried that they will not be able to afford their next fuel bills.
At the start of its Big Energy week, aimed to help people save money on bills, Citizens Advice have released reports claiming that almost half of the UK’s populations fear that they may not be able to pay their next energy bill and one in two people say energy bills are likely to put a strain on their finances this year.
Last November, eight times as many people went to Citizens Advice for help with cutting their fuel bills compared to November 2010. The Big Energy week survey also found that one in three energy companies are offering to help insulate their home. Citizens Advice Chief Executive, Gillian Guy, said:
“We know hikes in prices have put extra pressure on people’s budgets at a time when money is already tight. Day in day out our Bureaux helping people who can’t afford their fuel bills.
“We’re worried that some people are struggling unnecessarily because they’re not on the best deal; live in homes that haemorrhage heat or are not getting all of the financial help available to them.”
Big Energy Week starts today and runs until Friday 21st January 2012. Advisers across the country will be helping people learn how they can spend less money heating and powering their homes. The week is supported by Consumer Focus, Which?, Energy UK, Ofgem and the Government.
Energy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne has said:
“We know that a lot of households are struggling to cope with rising energy costs. Many people could cut their gas and electricity bills by moving to a better deal with their existing supplier, switching to another supplier altogether, or by taking up home insulation offers. But we need to make sure consumers are aware of this and make it easier for them to take action to save money. That is why I am backing Big Energy Week. We want to get the advice and information out to as many consumers across the country as possible.”
The Big Energy Week survey found that having the heating on less topped the list of what people are doing to cut energy bills. They are encouraging people to insulate their homes, check that they are not missing out on any tax credits or benefits that could help towards your next bills, and to take other energy efficiency methods to reduce their consumption.
Visit Freesource’s energy efficiency tips pages for more advice on how to save money or contact us on 0800 1313 161 for information about loft insulation or any of the other energy efficiency products we can offer you.
