As reported by Energy Live News:
Newly-appointed Energy Secretary Amber Rudd has written to British Gas, E.ON, EDF Energy, npower, SSE and ScottishPower asking them about their plans to cut gas and electricity bills.
The letter reportedly states: “In light of the greater regulatory stability we are providing and continued stability in wholesale gas prices, I believe energy suppliers should be seeking to regain the trust of consumers by reflecting this in their pricing decisions.”
Another newsbit reads: It revealed almost four million householders – 260,000 more than last year – are in debt to their energy suppliers, with the average debt at £130 – up from £128 last year.
uSwitch makes it clear:
Price comparison site uSwitch, which questioned more than 2,000 UK adults, is calling on suppliers to make “double-digit” tariff price cuts, “better reflecting the 25% reduction in wholesale gas and 18% cut in wholesale electricity costs in the 12-month period to winter 2015/16.
Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer Policy at uSwitch.com said: “Pre-payment meters were forcibly installed in almost 100,000 homes last year due to debt, yet our figures suggest this could be just the tip of the iceberg. This is evidence that energy has become totally unaffordable for millions of homes. Disposable incomes may be on the up but people are still under relentless pressure just to cover the cost of essential bills.
“Energy suppliers must urgently pass on double-digit reductions to their customers – many of whom have admitted to going cold this winter in an attempt to keep their bills down.”
An online survey suggests; 69% believe the Government is not doing enough to bring energy bills down.