Debt management efforts hit by rising energy costs
Debt management efforts hit by rising energy costs
- Wednesday, 24 February 2010Consumers struggling to manage their debts are being hit with further increases in their energy bills, it has been claimed.
A new Ofgem report has revealed that customers are paying more for their energy bills, despite energy companies recording increased profits.
The net margin for a typical standard tariff dual fuel customer increased by a further £30 in February from November, claims the report.
Spokeswoman for fuel poverty charity National Energy Action Lesley Tudor-Snodin said Ofgem must act to ensure vulnerable households are not driven further into fuel poverty.
"Households on the lowest incomes who have just spent the winter worried about whether or not they can afford to put their heating on will now be wondering why the energy suppliers' profits have increased so much this year, especially when the price of wholesale energy continues to fall," she said.
British Gas, the largest residential energy supplier in Britain, has cut its standard gas prices by an average of seven per cent. The change is expected to save the average gas customer £55 a year.

Recent Debt Management Plan News
56% of Brits have no life insurance which could leave family with debt problems
Wed, 04 May 2011More than half of UK adults currently have no life insurance cover, which could mean their loved ones are left with
debt problems when they die...
Brits thinking about retirement advised to seek debt advice
Tue, 03 May 2011Consumers considering their retirement options have been advised to seek professional advice, as they may end up with
debt problems in the future...
Brits planning to attend a wedding should start saving to avoid debt problems
Thu, 28 Apr 2011Consumers concerned about getting into
credit card debt to pay to attend a wedding may want to use their savings instead...
Couples planning their big day can avoid debt problems by negotiating a cheap wedding
Wed, 27 Apr 2011Couples-to-be worried about needing
debt advice in the future after paying for a wedding can ensure they avoid accruing
debt problems by negotiating a cheap wedding...