Rising energy prices leave elderly in Bucks Beds and Herts facing hardship, warns Age UK
Energy price cap rises 10% today, making average bill £149 more
An average household energy bill rises by £149 today as the new energy price cap comes into effect.
Ofgem has increased the price cap by 10%, meaning the current £1,568 annual bill for a typical dual fuel household in England, Scotland and Wales rises to £1,717.
The latest cap is just 6% or £117 lower than it was compared to the same period last year.
Age UK Hertfordshire have expressed concerns over the impact this will have on elderly people across the region, particularly those already struggling with the cost of living.
Mark Hanna, CEO of Age UK Herts, said: "Older people are often unable to work due to long-term health conditions or retirement, meaning they are entirely reliant on fixed incomes like the state pension.
"It's really about having to survive on ever-tightening budgets."
The price cap sets a maximum price that energy suppliers can charge consumers for each kilowatt hour (kWh) of energy they use.
It does not limit total bills because householders still pay for the amount of energy they consume.
From October 1, households on a standard variable tariff that pay for their electricity by direct debit will pay on average 24.5p per unit, with a standing charge of 60.99p per day.
For gas, the average will be 6.24p per unit with a standing charge of 31.66p per day.
Ofgem said rising prices in the international energy market, due to heightened political tensions and extreme weather events, were the main driver behind the decision.
Winter fuel payments scrapped for those not on benefits
Millions of pensioners are also facing a winter with less support after the new Government decided to scrap winter fuel payments for those who do not receive pension credits or other benefits.
About 10 million pensioners will miss out on the payments of up to £300 this year.
Mark Hanna from Age UK said: "The changes that were announced by the government have meant that people who are not in receipt of means-tested benefits, like pension credit, will no longer get the winter fuel payment.
"They’re not wealthy enough not to miss it, but they don’t qualify for help either."
While he is concerned this is likely to push more pensioners into poverty, the charity is, in turn, experiencing a spike in demand for their help.
Mr Hanna said: "We saw a big spike following the government’s announcement to remove the winter fuel payment entitlement for those not receiving pension credit.
"Since then, there has been a gradual build-up in demand, particularly with the looming energy price cap increase."
He further urged those in need to seek advice and to find out what support one may be entitled to.
What does the Government say?
The Government said there is a range of support available for those struggling, including 'The Warm Home Discount Scheme', which re-opens today.