15 December 2008
Gas and electricity provider Scottish Power has moved to cut the bills of some of its most vulnerable customers by introducing a new social tariff.
According to the BBC, the energy company said that from next month, customers aged 60 and over receiving welfare benefit will be able to move to the new plan.
Scottish Power claims the discounted prices will help elderly households save up to £211 a year on their gas and electricity bills.
However, the company adds that prices for all other customers will remain unchanged for the time being as reductions will depend on falls in wholesale costs.
"If we continue to see a sustained drop in wholesale energy costs then we will reduce prices as soon as we're able," said Retail Director Willie MacDiarmid.
Last week, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband issued a warning to energy companies over prices, insisting ministers would legislate if they fail to bring down bills.
Consumers could cut their gas and electricity costs significantly by switching to another provider or a different energy tariff.