Norfolk economist says energy support scheme needs simplifying as price cap rises
The typical household energy bill will increase by 1.2% from January 1st
Last updated 22nd Nov 2024
An economist from the University of East Anglia says the Government needs to streamline its energy support schemes - so those needing help this winter can get it more easily.
It comes as the energy regulator Ofgem has announced the typical household bill for things like heating and cooking will be increasing by 1.2%, from £1,717 to £1,738, from January 1st.
"It might be worth shopping around a lot more as we go into the new year"
Professor Corrado Di Maria specialises in Environmental & Natural Resource Economics and says Sir Keir Starmer's team are getting one thing right:
"There is a need to expand the supply of renewable energy, and this will allow us to be less dependent on international gas prices.
"This is not something that can happen overnight, but the Government has been making the right noises on this from the very start."
He has this message for those worried: "As consumers, we got used to using as little heating as possible.
"That all means that more companies are now offering more 'fixed tariffs' and fewer 'flexible tariffs' that are directly affected by the price cap.
"So it might be worth shopping around a lot more, as we go into the new year."
What's the Government doing to help?
The Government says those who are struggling with their energy bills - and eligible for help - can apply for support through the Warm Home Discount Scheme.