Brits hold Governments to blame for high energy costs

Despite recent price hikes announced by energy suppliers Eon and Scottish and Southern Energy, almost half of the population (46%) blames Government for rises in energy costs.

Research by Saga Home Insurance reveals that the UK public considers increases by successive Governments in fuel duty and VAT responsible for rising energy bills. Energies companies themselves are also held to account, with over two fifths (44%) citing them as directly responsible for the price increases.

In light of recent price hikes by British Gas and EDF and further increases announced by Eon and SSE, customers are facing a difficult time with household bills. Whilst the energy companies blame rising wholesale prices caused by dwindling supplies, the British public blames Government, energy companies and excessive global consumption ahead of declining supplies (35%) and emerging market demand (29%). Other factors people held responsible were the ongoing conflict in the Middle East (32%) and the War in Iraq (25%). A fifth of people (20%) also directly blamed the American Government for increases in their domestic fuel bills.

Who is responsible for rising energy bills?

Successive UK Governments (46%)
UK energy companies (44%)
Excessive global consumption of energy (40%)
The UK Labour Government (38%)
Petrol Exporting Countries (37%)

Interestingly, 18 to 34 year olds see themselves and society as primarily responsible for these rises, saying the increases are due to excessive global consumption of energy (42%) whilst all other ages blame Government first. The older generation are also more prone to point the finger at OPEC with 45% of over 50s blaming the institution for price rises compared to just 31% of under 50s. This is probably because they are old enough to remember OPECs involvement in the global oil crises in the seventies. Over 50s were also more likely to hold the fact that the UK's nuclear power stations and infrastructure are aging as responsible with 20% of them blaming this compared to just 12% of under 50s.

London is the most ecologically aware region with 46% of Londoners thinking excessive consumption is the trigger for the hikes, whilst all other regions follow the national lead and criticise Government. London also the region most supportive of the current Government with only just over a quarter (29%) blaming it for the rises, compared to over two fifths (42%) of Northerners.

To ease the pain, Saga Home Insurance is offering the chance to win free home energy for a year. Anyone who obtains an online quote for Saga Home Insurance by visiting www.saga.co.uk/house during the month of August will be entered into a weekly prize draw to win the cash equivalent of a years' worth of energy.

Andrew Goodsell, Chief Executive of Saga comments "Whatever the reason for rising energy prices, consumers face an expensive winter. With the launch of our free energy competition, Saga aims to make it easier for some of our lucky customers."