Groups campaign for affordable energy tariffs for vulnerable people
(10 January 2008)

The National Consumer Council (NCC) and National Energy Action (NEA) want companies to offer well-publicised, low-cost "social tariffs" to vulnerable customers.

Then groups have emphasised that they would prefer these measure to be obligatory and apply to low-income families and the elderly.

Jenny Saunders, NEA's acting chief executive, said: "Energy prices are on the upward march again and the number of people who can't afford to heat their homes is set to soar beyond four million.

"This means the government's target to end fuel poverty for the most vulnerable by 2010 looks increasingly challenging."

Ms Saunders added that adequate standards for social tariffs would be a "vital safety net" for people at risk of fuel poverty.

Phillip Cullum, NCC acting chief executive, added that this week's impending energy bill will provide the perfect opportunity for the government to act on the behalf of vulnerable people.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Energywatch has deemed recent hikes in energy prices unfair.

They added that the best policy would be to "wait until the dust settles" before seeking out the best energy deal.