Fuel poverty 'will worsen with rising bills'

Monday, March 15th 2010

Millions of UK households are in fuel poverty and the problem is expected to worsen as bills rise.

This is according to head of campaigns, policy, information and research for National Energy Action Ron Campbell, who said there are over five million households struggling with fuel bills.

"But it is crucial that people do not turn their heating down or off during periods of cold weather," he cautioned.

Energy suppliers may be able to offer various payment options, so people should contact them immediately if they are having financial difficulty.

Mr Campbell added that social tariffs and energy efficiency improvements may be able to make heating a home more affordable.

There is also the Home Heat Helpline, which offers advice on the matter, he continued.

Last year a report from the Department of Energy and Climate Change found that around 16 per cent of all households were in fuel poverty.

Fuel poverty is defined as spending more than ten per cent of a household's income on energy bills in order to stay warm at home.