6 December 2006
Rising energy prices have resulted in one in three Scots being plunged into 'power poverty' according to the latest research from consumer watchdog energywatch.
In response to the results, which showed that over 650,000 Scottish households are spending more than 10% of their household income on fuel bills, energywatch has launched its "3 and easy" campaign to end fuel poverty.
The campaign calls for three simple steps to take place; firstly, fairer tariffs for low income households, such as discounted energy packages and lower prepayment meter prices.
Secondly, energywatch wants smarter meters to allow consumers to manage their consumption more easily.
Finally, it calls for increased investment in energy efficiency to cut bills and reduce the environmental impact of energy use.
"3 and easy" has the backing of MSP Scott Barrie, who commented: "Energy companies are never shy about passing on increased costs to consumers but seem markedly less ready to do the same when wholesale energy costs fall.
"There is a clear moral responsibility on energy suppliers to join with the Scottish Executive and the UK government in providing more help to vulnerable, low income households, "he added.
Graham Kerr of energywatch Scotland stated: "Recent record price hikes outstrip the benefits of record public spending on making homes warmer. Consumers in Scotland urgently need a new integrated approach to ending fuel poverty.
"Industry, the regulator and governments must come together and take a fresh look at how they can make energy affordable for all," he concluded.
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