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25 June 2009

Age Concern and Help the Aged respond to consumer focus research, showing energy customers are being overcharged by more than £1.6 billion

Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director for Age Concern and Help the Aged, said:  

'It’s scandalous that energy companies have failed to pass on declining wholesale energy costs to customers, despite one in three pensioner households in the UK living in fuel poverty. 

'Energy companies are shamelessly maximising profits at the expense of their customers, forcing some to cut back on heating in an attempt to reduce bills. Older people are more likely than any other age group to be affected by fuel poverty and often struggle to make ends meet on low fixed incomes. It’s shocking that energy companies aren’t doing more for their vulnerable older customers.

'The Government is clearly failing in its responsibility to protect the poorest and most vulnerable customers from fuel poverty. It must urgently and radically revise its fuel poverty strategy if it is to stand any hope of tackling the escalating crisis. To help those struggling to afford their bills, price differences for pre-payment customers and those who pay by cash and cheque should be banned, and social tariffs must be made fit for purpose, to ensure the poorest households get the cheapest energy rates.' 

Notes to editors

Media contact:
Anne-Marie Devaney
Tel: 020 8765 7511 Out of hours: 07071 243 243

Age Concern England and Help the Aged have joined together to form a single charity dedicated to improving the lives of older people.