• Home >
  • Utilities >
  • More than 96,000 worried about utilities cost

More than 96,000 worried about utilities cost

Monday, 16 January 2012 10:01 AM

Fuel poverty is more common than you may think, as household struggle with rising gas and electricity costs. In 2011, Citizens Advice dealt with more than 96,000 fuel debt problems.

Despite recent rate cuts by the Big Six energy producers, half of those surveyed by Citizens Advice say energy bills will put a strain on their finances this year, while four in 10 say they are worried they won’t be able to afford to pay their next fuel bill.

Energy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne said: “We know hikes in prices have put extra pressure on people's budgets at a time when money is already tight. Day in day out our Bureaux helping people who can't afford their fuel bills.

"We're worried that some people are struggling unnecessarily because they're not on the best deal; live in homes that haemorrhage heat or are not getting all of the financial help available to them."

This week sees the launch of Big Energy Week, during which advisers will give specialist advice to homeowners looking to cut fuel bills.

The average monthly gas bill is up 8%

Energy backlash means more customers switch suppliers

British householders are less satisfied with their energy suppliers than ever before - and it's not just rising rates that are getting to us. Overall satisfaction with electric utility suppliers has declined by eight points since 2010.

 Time to review energy contract, says site

Customers rocked as Scottish Power hikes price of gas by 19%

Millions of consumers have been left reeling after Scottish Power announced it is to increase gas prices by 19 per cent and electricity by 10 per cent. The changes are set to come into effect on August 1.
British Gas announces electricity price drop

Big Six continue to drop utility tariffs

The Big Six energy companies are continuing to respond to the drop in energy wholesale prices with more attractive rates for homeowners crippled by big winter bills. British Gas has announced an average 5% drop in its standard electricity tariff.

 EDF Energy raises its rates for gas

More energy price rises on the way

More energy price rises are on the way, ahead of the colder winter months. EDF Energy will this week increase prices by 15.4% or £101 for gas and 4.5% or £21 for electricity, causing average household bills to rocket from £1,069 to £1,293, up 21%.
SSE is the only company given five stars

Complaints to utilities Big Six fall April-June

Are utilities services improving? The new energy complaints league table shows a decrease in complaints about five of the ‘Big Six' suppliers, with only EDF recording more complaints than the last quarter. April in particular was a slow month.

 npower announces second price hike in a year

npower fifth energy supplier to increase prices

npower has become the fifth of the UK’s 'big six' energy suppliers to announce a second price hike this year. It will be raising its gas prices by 15.7 per cent and electricity by 7.2 per cent from October 1, 2011.
Energy bills have risen 71% since 2006

Fuel poverty spreading as energy prices rocket

One in four families across Britain is now classed as fuel poor, latest research reveals. Figures from uSwitch.com indicate that average household energy bills have increased by 71 per cent since 2006.

 Cut-to-fit radiators will save you money

Spend now to save on energy bills in years to come

Some modifications to your home's heating can save you money on your utility bills for years. Financial experts including Deutsche Bank are warning that electricity and gas bills could rise by as much as 50% in the next four years.

Free Newsletter

Sign up to formyhome.co.uk's free newsletter.

Subject to terms of use and privacy policy

Illustrator designed fabrics for your home

The design by Andrew Davidson

The British coast and countryside can have a place inside the home with a new range by Lewis & Wood bringing the outside in. The producer of lovely fabrics and wall papers has turned to designer, illustrator and wood engraver Andrew Davidson for new inspiration.

Usain Bolt hits the track in broadband advert

Usain Bolt signs up with Virgin Media ads

Who better to advertise super-speedy broadband than Usain Bolt? The Olympic gold medalist has been warming up for London 2012 by making an appearance in an advertising campaign for Virgin Media promoting their new ‘double speed’ broadband initiative.

Headlines