Assembly Member calls for steps to end Fuel Poverty

12.00.00am GMT Wed 21st Nov 2007

The Welsh Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Communities, Culture, Housing and Social Justice, Peter Black, has written to the Westminster Energy Minister asking him to consider legislating to require energy suppliers to offer better value 'social tariffs' to customers who suffer from fuel poverty.

Fuel poverty affects an estimated 240,000 households in Wales. It is defined as a household who spend 10% or more of their income on fuel in order to maintain a satisfactory level of heating. One of the causes has been the drastic rise in energy prices over the last four years. Electricity prices rose by 64% and gas prices by 90% between 2003 and 2006. Prices have fallen in 2007 but only by 4% and 15% respectively.

"Currently those on the lowest incomes pay far more of their income for fuel." said Mr Black. "Many of them have metered gas and electricity as it allows them to control and monitor how much they are spending, but it is often the case that these meters actually work out to be more expensive than other methods of payment."

"There is a need for fuel providers to develop specific tariffs designed to assist the fuel poor. Prices for fuel have risen by significant amounts and those on fixed incomes, such as pensioners and those on benefits, are struggling to pay rapidly increasing bills. A requirement for energy suppliers to offer improved tariffs to these customers would make a huge difference."