High cost of energy a worry for 7 in 10 Brits
Recent price rises from three of the main energy providers in the UK, coupled with the sustained freezing temperatures across Britain, has left almost 7 in 10 energy customers worried about how they can afford their heating bills this winter, an increase of 15 per cent on 2009, according to research from moneysupermarket.com.
A poll of 2,714 moneysupermarket.com users, showed that the 40 per cent of people are worried about the cost of heating their homes during the cold weather, compared to 27 per cent this time last year. A further 28 per cent are already struggling with their bills, up two per cent on 2009.
Recent price increase announcements from three of the UK's biggest energy providers have meant that the average standard UK energy bills are now nearly £1300 and with the potential for further price rises from two more energy providers, the only way is up for bills.
Sub-zero temperatures are also forcing many households to use more energy than normal to heat their homes at this time of year. This is putting even more pressure on bill payers who are thinking about paying for Christmas and New Year festivities after another financially tough year. With the cold conditions showing no sign of easing there will be more and more people concerned about huge bills landing on their doorsteps in the New Year.
Despite the increase in people struggling to pay their bills, the number of people who are already in a position where they cannot heat their homes has fallen to just 4 per cent compared to 12 per cent last year.
Scott Byrom, energy manager at moneysupermarket.com said: "Recent price increases could not have come at a worse time for cash strapped consumers. With many people stretching their budgets to the limit just to get by, the news that their energy bills are increasing at the same time the freezing weather hits has understandably meant many more people are worried about how they can afford to keep their homes warm this winter.
"We use around 40 per cent of our annual consumption during the colder and darker winter months and those 15 million households who have never changed their supplier could be facing bills of around £500 landing on their doorstep at the end of the winter.
"But, consumers can fight back against price rises by voting with their feet and turning to a better priced deal. The average saving by changing from the average standard deal to the best priced product on the market is £208. It's never too late to make a saving and I urge anyone who is paying over the odds for their gas and electricity to switch now."