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Tackling fuel poverty
Date published: 30 January 2012
Fuel poverty affects twice as many households in deprived areas of Rochdale than the national average.
Anyone spending 10 per cent or more of their total household income on gas and electricity bills in order to keep their home comfortably warm is classed as being in fuel poverty. With bills rising by an average of 21 per cent in just over a year it is an issue that is affecting more and more people.
Interviews with 301 people in the most deprived areas of the borough revealed that 38 per cent of respondents found it difficult to pay fuel bills and 43 per cent said financial concerns had an impact on their health and well being.
Simple measures such as turning heating down by just 1 degree, closing curtains at dusk to keep heat in, or changing supplier can make a real difference to bills and there are several organisations that offer advice and, in some instances, financial support to local people.
To find out more contact the Energy Saving Trust’s Greater Manchester advice centre on 0800 512012 or visit energysavingtrust.org.uk
Comments
Six companies are deciding how 99% of our energy is sourced, produced and priced. Under this monopoly, we have no say in these decisions, despite them having a major effect on our health and our climate.
E.ON, EDF, Scottish Power, Scottish and Southern, Centrica (British Gas) and Npower are not letting 20,000 deaths of elderly and vulnerable every year get in the way of them putting profits before people. Another national scandal that goes unchallenged by most of the 99% being ripped off.
Once a person reaches pension age they should receive free gas and electricity, that would stop them worrying about bills!
More time should be spent educating people how to get the best deal and how to make their homes energy more efficient, rather than throwing more money at the problem.
I have my heating on 7 days a week from 6am till 11pm and have loads of electrical appliances on throughout the day and I pay about £55 per month for both. That figure equates to about 5% of the income of those below the poverty line.
By the way, I get paper bills and it's not an internet tariff.
Have Your Say
Surely it's the power companies that need to stop putting profits ahead of people!
By disgruntled @ 30/01/2012 21:22:22