Thousands of Pensions Could Save Under Energy Plans

Delyn MP David Hanson is urging the Government and energy companies to take action to ensure that 5,688 of over-75s in Delyn get the cheapest energy tariff available.

 

 

Over 75s could save as much as £200 off their energy bills under new proposals announced by Labour. The plans would mean that energy companies are required to put all over 75s on the cheapest tariff for their electricity and gas.

 

 

David Hanson said:

 

 

“With more than 400 tariffs on offer, it’s no surprise that 80% of people in Delyn are paying over the odds for their electricity and gas bills. This rip-off must end. To start with, the big energy companies must make sure pensioners over 75 are on the cheapest energy deal.

 

 

“If they refuse to take action, the Government should legislate to bind energy companies to ensuring every year that their elderly customers are on the lowest available tariff.

 

 

Caroline Flint MP, Labour’s Shadow Energy and Climate Change Secretary, said:

“Soaring energy bills are driving up inflation and contributing to the cost of living crisis affecting millions of families and pensioners. Labour’s plan to put all over 75s on the cheapest tariff will cut the gas and electricity bills of more than 4 million elderly pensioners, not through spending more money, but by getting our energy firms to show greater responsibility to their most vulnerable customers.”

 

 

ENDS

 

Notes for Editors:

Energy bills are now one of the biggest cost families face. The average household now pays £1,345 per year for gas and electricity, and the typical dual fuel bill rose by more than 20% last year.

 

 

·         Despite competition between different companies, the complexity of the different products on offer means that, according to the independent regulator Ofgem, 4 in 5 households (a full 80%) are paying more for their gas and electricity than the cheapest tariff would deliver. 

 

 

·         The Government has stated it is possible for households to save up to £200 from an annual dual fuel bill by shopping around for the lowest online rate.

 

 

“It is possible to save up to £200 from an annual dual fuel bill by shopping around for the lowest online rate.” www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/news/consumer_summi/consumer_summi.aspx

 

 

·        Labour is calling on the energy companies to automatically move their elderly customers – those over 75 – onto the cheapest tariff they offer for their gas and electricity. If they don’t make this happen themselves Labour is calling on the Government to legislate to bind energy companies to ensuring every year that their elderly customers are on the lowest available tariff.