30 May 2008
Older people may be given extra assistance to pay their fuel bills under fresh plans being considered by the government.
Data sharing techniques are being looked at by Labour in an attempt to give improved advice to customers and direct them towards other tariffs.
Gordon Lishman, Director General at Age Concern, stated that these plans will not please everybody but they are necessary if the industry is to develop successfully.
"We feel strongly that the severe pressure of rapidly rising energy prices justifies this kind of action, providing the data is handled by a trusted third party," he commented.
Phil Woolas, the environment minister, added that costs can be slashed by making energy use more efficient and that fuel poverty hits people all year round, not just in the winter.
Independent energy consultant Nigel Cornwall noted this week that possible gas price rises could be "horrendous" for consumers.
He stated that prices have taken off during recent times.