21 July 2008
Rising gas and electricity prices could plunge an extra 2.4 million energy customers into fuel poverty, according to uSwitch.com. The price comparison site said "the worst has been confirmed" after an independent report said gas prices could rise by 60% over the next few years, bringing the average annual bill to over £1,000 by 2010. Ann Robinson, director of consumer policy at uSwitch.com, said: "Coupled with the credit crunch and the ongoing battle to make their money go further, consumers should steel themselves for a winter of discontent." She said that if prices do rise as high as predicted then the number of people living in fuel poverty could increase by 53%, from 4.5 million to 6.9 million. Ms Robinson urged energy customers to fix their gas and electricity prices now to make sure they are able to budget through the colder months. Meanwhile, Citizens Advice is warning that households paying their gas and electricity bills based on estimated readings could be accumulating large debts as fuel prices continue to rise, the BBC reports.
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