Justina Miltienyte, energy policy expert at Uswitch.com, said: “It is not enough for the government to only rely on the energy price cap to protect customers this winter, especially as it has already risen twice this year.
“The government needs to act now to help the most vulnerable by increasing the total pot of money available for the Warm Home Discount.
“Low-income households are eligible for the £140 Warm Home Discount rebate - but it only offsets the recent £139 rise in the price cap and does not actually help to make bills more affordable.
“A further rise in the price cap is also expected in April next year, which will pile even more financial pressure on the people who need the most support.
“The Warm Home Discount scheme needs to be reformed as a matter of urgency to really help those struggling to pay their energy bills.
“Firstly, the level of discount should reflect the overall size of the average energy bill - which has increased significantly since the scheme was introduced ten years ago. £140 simply isn't enough, and the further £10 increase already agreed for next year barely scratches the surface of what's necessary.
“We are also calling on the government to standardise who should be eligible under the broader group and simplify the process by providing the discount automatically.
“The scheme currently operates on a first-come, first-served basis, which means many vulnerable people miss out just because they apply later than the 1.2 million people who were quicker to join the queue.
“With knowledge of the scheme still not widespread among all those who might be eligible, we estimate that 2.3 million households fell through the net last year[1].
“Without introducing automatic application to all eligible customers, those who have been displaced from a bust energy supplier could be disproportionately affected. Not only will they see their bills rise, they will also have to reapply through their new supplier, which may have already allocated its pot of money.”
Notes
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Ross Stebbing
Phone: 07827 836 709
Email: ross.stebbing@rvu.co.uk
Twitter: @UswitchPR
About Uswitch
Uswitch is one of the UK’s top comparison websites for home services switching, including energy, broadband and mobiles.
More people go to Uswitch to switch their energy, broadband and mobile than any other site, and we have saved consumers over £2.7 billion off their bills since we launched in September 2000.
Free mobile app Utrack also helps households manage their home energy usage and make potential savings.
Uswitch is part of RVU, a group of online brands with a mission to empower consumers to make more confident home services, insurance and financial decisions.
