Homes set to ration energy

As average bills increase, many plan to go without heat this winter

Despite temperatures set to hit a 100-year low this winter, many people will ration their heating due to price rises.

Figures show the average heating bill has increased by 63% since 2008, putting millions in ‘fuel poverty’ and leaving them with the choice of paying for heating or having money for food. Last winter, around 75% of people asked said they would turn the heating down at key times, even if they were cold, just to save money. This year, nearly 90% claim they will do this, with elderly people more likely to go without heating.

Elderly people will be hit harder by rising energy bills over winter

(Image source - This Is Money)

This is why there is worry, as it is feared many elderly people, who are more likely to stay at home for longer periods thus using more heating, might die as a result of the cold, especially those without family who live alone. There were 25,700 ‘excess winter deaths’ last year in England and Wales, with around 2500 of them said to be as a result of ‘fuel poverty’ (where over 10% of income is needed to cover energy costs).

Energy comparison site uSwitch.com believe that further the price increases that were announced by the ‘big’ energy companies like British Gas and Scottish Power last month will ‘add £753 million onto energy bills and push another 314,000 households into fuel poverty’.