Thursday 13 October 2011

Government calls for emergency energy meeting

The Government has called an emergency meeting between energy suppliers, consumer groups and Ofgem in order to devise a strategy to save consumers money on their energy bills this coming winter.

The Energy Secretary wants the group to help raise awareness on energy-saving measures, in particular methods such as cavity insulation, which may be freely available to some customers.

Chris Huhne said: "Rising international fossil fuel prices have meant consumers face big energy price hikes this winter. We have already taken action to increase support for the most vulnerable households and to boost the number of homes being insulated this winter, but I want to see what more can be done to help consumers keep their bills down."

Mike O'Connor, Chief Executive of Consumer Focus, welcomed the meeting: "Government, energy firms and consumer organisations have a responsibility to make sure that consumers get all the help they need to cut their bills. We are committed to doing what we can to make sure consumers can keep warm and control their costs."

Following the recent round of price increases announced by the Big Six energy suppliers, Ofgem has calculated that the average standard tariff domestic dual fuel bill will rise from £1,170 to £1,345.