Over quarter of households at risk this winter

The Fuel Poverty Advisory Group has today announced that, under the current definition, an estimated nine million people could fall under the ‘fuel poverty' criteria by 2016. According to the report, 300,000 additional homes will be in ‘fuel poverty' this winter.

Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer Policy at uSwitch.com, says: "Today's report from the Fuel Poverty Advisory Group reveals the true extent of the problem of energy affordability and the number of households who will fall into fuel poverty. Although those in fuel poverty are undoubtedly in the worse predicament, the harsh reality is that rising energy bills are affecting the majority of households, with many being forced to take drastic steps to cut bills which are putting their health and well-being at risk. Our research reveals that almost nine in ten households (89%) plan to ration their energy use this winter to save on bills and last winter over half of all households (55%) went without heating at some point to keep their energy costs down.

"The government is proposing to develop a new strategy on fuel poverty next year but what is needed is urgent action this winter. Making homes more energy efficient is part of the answer and consumers can reduce their bills substantially by shopping around. There is more than £300 difference between the cheapest and the most expensive deals on the market, but in addition the government could make a huge difference by adding a supplement to means tested benefits to ensure that consumers most in need can keep warm this winter."