Uswitch comments on Government’s support for energy customers

Justina Miltienyte, head of policy at Uswitch.com, comments: “Households are feeling the turbulence of a stormy energy market, and the prospect of a £2,800 price cap now looms on the horizon.

“These latest Government measures have been a long time coming and will go some way towards  helping customers weather the storm. 

“The substantial action suggests that the Government finally appreciates the unprecedented scale of the help needed, following Ofgem’s prediction that the number of households in fuel poverty could double to 12 million.

“Doubling the bill rebate to £400 is a sensible step, and it is good news that it will not have to be repaid. This measure will give some welcome relief to customers and reduce the impact of soaring bills, especially for those on the brink of financial hardship.

“We have long called for an increase in support for the vulnerable who will be worst hit by the energy price hikes. So the one-off £650 payment to the eight million people with the lowest incomes is to be applauded, as is the £300 for pensioners and £150 for those receiving disability support. 

“The devil is in the details though and we still don’t know how the payments will be distributed. We will be watching to see how the Government implements these proposals and ensures help actually reaches all those that need it.”