Uswitch comments on ONS stats revealing the increase in household spend on energy
The ONS has today revealed that the average household spend on energy increased by 55% between 2002 and 2012. ONS figures show UK households spent an average of £106 a month on electricity, gas and other household fuels in 2012, compared to £69 a month in 2002, after adjusting for inflation using the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Tom Lyon, Energy Expert at Uswitch.com, says: “Today’s figures highlight that energy is becoming increasingly unaffordable for many consumers. Our own research shows that the average annual energy bill for a household, using the same amount of gas and electricity each year, has rocketed by £800 or 169% from £472 in 2004, to an eye-watering £1,272 a year today.
“The impact of rocketing bills is clear and consumers are having to ration their energy use; over seven in ten households (73%) have gone without heating at some point this winter because of the cost and over a third (36%) say these cutbacks are affecting their quality of life or health. What’s more is that over eight in ten (83%) expect household energy to increase again this year which means these figures could be even higher by next year.
“However, rather than compromising on health, I would urge consumers to take a few simple steps which could help them keep a lid on bills. There is currently a £284 difference between the cheapest and most expensive tariff on the market, so shopping around could really put pounds back into pockets.”
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Alexa Wheeler
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Email: alexa.wheeler@uswitch.com
Twitter: @uswitchPR
Notes to editors
Based on a medium user customer using 3,200 kWh of electricity and 13,500 kWh of gas, on a standard dual fuel plan, paying quarterly by cash or cheque with bill sizes averaged across the big six suppliers and all regions. Data is not adjusted for inflation.
In response to: ‘Have you gone without heating this winter to keep your energy costs down?’ 50% said ‘occasionally’, 20% said ‘regularly’, 3% said ‘always’. This adds up to 73% who went without heating at some point this winter.
In response to: ‘Do you think you’re achieving the right balance this winter between keeping your home warm and managing costs?’ 36% said ‘No – the cutbacks I’m making are affecting my quality of life and/or health.’
In response to: ‘Do you expect the cost of household energy to increase again this year?’ 83% said ‘yes’.
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