2 September 2008
A coalition of charities and consumer groups is calling on the government to ensure those struggling most with their gas and electricity bills get the help they need. The group, which includes Age Concern, the Child Poverty Action Group and the National Energy Association, wants the government to act on social tariffs. It claims discounted tariffs are not publicised well enough and many of the most vulnerable households are missing out. They also claim that many social tariffs cost more than then cheapest deals offered by providers and are calling for urgent reforms. Social tariffs must be mandatory, not voluntary, the group insists. They must also have the lowest rates offered by an individual provider. Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern, said: "The government and the energy companies must work together to share the rising costs of energy prices fairly by reforming social tariffs." Last month, uSwitch.com claimed that once the current round of gas and electricity price increases is complete, more than ten million households will be left struggling to pay their bills.