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Energy bills: 13m British homes ‘did not turn on heating when cold last winter’

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Summary

A survey conducted by consumer group Which? revealed that 13 million British households did not switch on their heating during cold snaps last winter in an attempt to save on their energy bills. Lower-income households and those aged between 45 and 64 were found to be more likely to go without winter heating, leading to calls for the government to introduce a discounted “social energy tariff” for vulnerable households. Consumer groups have argued that the price cap set by the energy regulator for Great Britain is still unaffordable for low-income households and that the government should legislate a social tariff, set well below the cost of supplying gas and electricity, for households in fuel poverty. Despite repeated pledges in the last year to consult on proposals to put a social tariff in place by April 2024, the government has been accused of betraying the most vulnerable in society by failing to introduce one.

Q&As

How many British households did not turn on their heating when cold last winter?
Almost 13 million British households did not turn on their heating when cold last winter.

What age group and income level were more likely to go without winter heating?
Lower-income households and those aged between 45 and 64 were more likely to go without winter heating.

How has the UK government tried to reduce energy bills since the energy crisis?
The UK government has intervened to subsidise the cost of household energy bills and launched an advertising campaign encouraging consumers to reduce their usage.

What actions did households take to reduce their energy usage last winter?
Households tried to cut back on their energy usage last winter, wore extra layers at home, reduced how often they used the oven, and cut the number of baths or length of showers they took.

What measures has the government promised to take to protect vulnerable households from high energy bills?
The government has promised to consider a social tariff for energy bills and develop a new approach to protect households, including the consideration of a social tariff.

AI Comments

👍 This article is an informative and comprehensive look into how rising energy costs are impacting households in the UK. It is encouraging to see that the government is taking steps to introduce social tariffs to protect the most vulnerable.

👎 Despite repeated government pledges to introduce a social tariff, there has been no progress in this area. This is leaving the most vulnerable households in the UK struggling to pay their energy bills.

AI Discussion

Me: It's about how 13 million British homes didn't turn on their heating when it was cold last winter in an attempt to save on their energy bills. It says that lower-income households and those aged between 45 and 64 were more likely to go without winter heating. It's really concerning.

Friend: Yeah, that is concerning. It's really sad that people have to make these hard decisions just to save money. It also shows that the current energy prices are too high for people to afford.

Me: Exactly. The article calls for the government to introduce a discounted "social energy tariff" for vulnerable households, which would help make energy bills more affordable. It's also concerning that the government has not taken action yet to introduce this tariff, despite repeated pledges in the last year.

Friend: It's definitely time for the government to step up and take action. This tariff could make a huge difference for people, especially those who are most vulnerable. It's not right that people have to choose between staying warm and affording basic necessities.

Action items

Research local energy assistance programs and apply for any that may be available.
Contact your energy provider to see if they offer any discounted rates or payment plans.
Reach out to local charities and organizations to see if they offer any assistance with energy bills.

Technical terms

Energy bills: The amount of money a person or household pays for electricity and gas.
Lower-income households: Households with an annual income of less than £20,000.
Those aged between 45 and 64: People aged between 45 and 64 years old.
Gas prices: The cost of gas.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine: An armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine in 2014.
Subsidise: To provide financial assistance to a person or organization.
Advertising campaign: A series of advertisements used to promote a product or service.
Vulnerable households: Households in need of financial assistance.
Social energy tariff: A discounted energy tariff for vulnerable households.
Fuel poverty: A situation in which a household cannot afford to pay for its energy needs.
Price cap: A limit on the maximum price that can be charged for a product or service.
Autumn statement: A statement made by the UK government in the autumn outlining its economic plans.
Spring statement: A statement made by the UK government in the spring outlining its economic plans.