15 August 2008
More than ten million households will be unable to pay their gas and electricity bills once expected price increases are introduced by suppliers, uSwitch.com has claimed. The independent price comparison site warned that once this year's second wave of price rises is complete, the percentage of households struggling to meet their energy costs will rise from 31% at the end of July to 39%. In recent weeks, gas and electricity bills have risen by an average of 23%, or £239 a year. If similar increases are introduced by other suppliers, as is expected, up to ten million families will find themselves in financial difficulty, uSwitch.com predicted. The research shows that half of all households would use their heating less frequently to save money, while over half would try to make their home more energy efficient. Some 15% said they would give up hot meals. Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer Policy at uSwitch.com, said shopping around to find the cheapest gas and electricity provider is one way of saving money on bills. Earlier this week it emerged that the government was considering a £150 windfall for all families in receipt of child benefit to help them meet winter energy costs.
© 2008 Adfero Ltd
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