Households struggling to pay their energy bills after the most recent price rises will soon find that tariffs are to go up once more.

ScottishPower has announced that it will increase the cost of gas by 19 per cent and electricity by ten per cent from August 1st and it is thought that other utility providers will soon follow.

This announcement represents the second price rise in nine months and will affect around 2.4 million households.

However, Ann Robinson, director of consumer policy at uSwitch.com, suggested that the news could lead to the UK witnessing a repeat of 2008 when energy bills increased 41 per cent through price hikes.

“Suppliers may think this is justified because of the increase in wholesale costs, but Ofgem will need to consider whether these increases are justified or not and act swiftly to protect consumers,” she remarked.

“Given that Ofgem has found some evidence that suppliers increase their prices more quickly than they drop them, any consumer complaints about price hikes are unlikely to fall on deaf ears.”

Posted by Emily Thomas

Sign up for regular email updates to help you save money and energy

For more information please see: ScottishPower press release

View the original article here

Households who are struggling to pay their water bills have been urged to contact their supplier for support.

The Consumer Council for Water reminded homeowners and tenants that they can set up flexible payment options that might reduce the need to pay one annual lump sum, while they could also be eligible for a support scheme such as WaterSure.

Dame Yve Buckland, chair of the council, commented: “We know that levels of water debt are increasing, currently around £1.4 billion industry wide, and more and more people are struggling to pay all household bills, not just water.

“If customers are worried about paying their water bills they should not hesitate in contacting their local water company.”

Earlier this month the government published plans that would see vulnerable households pay less for their water consumption, capping their water meter at the national or company average.

Reforms will also aim to help households in the South West where the cost of water is high.

Posted by Mark Stephens

Sign up for regular email updates to help you save money and energy

For more information please see: Consumer Council for Water

View the original article here

A council home in Rochdale has been retrofitted with green improvements, reducing the energy bills by £1,000 a year, according to the council.

A review of the property led to the recommendation to install energy saving lighting, solar panels, an air source heat pump and smart meters, giving it a ‘Grade A’ energy rating.

The project, run by charity Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale, will aim to provide an example to other landlords in how they can make their properties more energy efficient.

“There is an increasing need to look beyond basic insulation measures and traditional heating systems in order to drive down greenhouse gas emissions and reduce fuel bills for the occupier,” said Paul Roberts, Domestic Energy Manager at Rochdale Council.

“We hope that this project will demonstrate some options that both owner occupiers and landlords can consider.”

It is also hoped that the retrofit will show local construction companies about sustainable redevelopments.

Posted by Emily Thomas

Sign up to receive regular e-news

For more information please see: Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale

View the original article here

Energy regulator Ofgem has proposed major reforms to the UK energy market, making it fairer and more transparent for consumers.

After conducting an investigation into the sector, it called for the Big Six energy companies to auction up to 20 per cent of their power generation into the market, ensuring that smaller utilities will have a place.

Ofgem also criticised the Big Six firms for the speed that they raised tariffs after fuel price increases, although it took them time to reduce prices when costs fell.

“Energy companies have failed to play it straight with consumers and so Ofgem is proposing to break the stranglehold the Big Six have over the electricity market,” said chief executive Alistair Buchanan.

Other reforms proposed after the regulator found that the behaviour of energy suppliers is acting against consumers’ interests, include making the price of fuel simpler.

It recommends restricting the number of tariffs for each supplier to just one per payment method. Energy bills must also have a standardised format, allowing customers to clearly see where they can save money by switching tariffs.

Posted by Emily Thomas

Sign up for regular email updates to help you save money and energy

For more information please see: Ofgem press release

View the original article here

Consumers are faced with paying a total £650 million in energy bills from increased prices and profits, according to figures from uSwitch.com.

It notes that as EDF Energy becomes the final Big Six energy supplier to implement higher rates this month, suppliers have on average increased their prices by 5.6 per cent (£35) for gas and 6.4 per cent (£28) for electricity.

Combined, households now pay around £313 more in energy bills than they were in 2008. However, uSwitch.com notes that the difference between the cheapest and most expensive energy plan is almost the same amount at £316, reminding customers to switch tariffs if they pay too much.

“With only around 3.5 million or one in ten households on suppliers’ cheapest energy tariffs, consumers really need to start using the competitive market to help themselves,” commented Ann Robinson, director of consumer policy at uSwitch.com.

Households can also reduce their energy bills with simple measures such as turning the thermostat down 1 degree C, saving around £50 a year, according to the Energy Saving Trust, or make some home improvements such as better insulation. The Energy Saving Trust can help you find offers in your local area; please call 0800 512 012 to find out more.

Posted by Mark Stephens

Sign up for regular email updates to help you save money and energy

For more information please see: Press release

View the original article here

Energy saving lightbulbs are a greater upfront cost than regular lighting but in the long-run they will cut down on household energy bills, Consumer Focus has stressed.

Highlighting the benefits of saving energy, Zoe McLeod, energy expert at the consumer champion, said that initially, “consumers will be disappointed that the cost of buying a new lightbulb is set to rise as we switch to energy efficient lighting”.

However, she reminded Britons of the importance of cutting carbon emissions in the home, although added that while turning the thermostat down can also reduce energy bills, it is important that homes are not cold or damp, which could lead to health conditions.

“To help save much-needed extra pounds we would urge consumers to make sure they take advantage of energy efficiency grants and shop around for the best energy deals,” Ms McLeod said.

Homeowners can see if they are eligible for an energy grant with the Energy Saving Trust and take a home energy check to see how they can save money and reduce carbon in the home.

Posted by Emily Thomas

Sign up for regular email updates to help you save money and energy

For more information please see: Consumer Focus

View the original article here

Household water bills are set to rise in 2011/12, Ofwat has announced.

The water regulator said that on average, bills will increase 4.6 per cent in line with inflation. This equates to around £16 extra a year.

“No one wants to see bills increasing, particular in tough economic times,” commented Ofwat chief executive Regina Finn.

“When we set limits on prices, we listened to customers and challenged companies hard. That’s why average bills are set to remain broadly in line with inflation up until 2015, while companies are investing more than ever before, £22 billion. That’s more than £935 for every property in England and Wales.”

According to Ofwat, the water savings companies make with water efficiency targets, reducing leaks and increasing metering, will be more than 100 billion litres a year by 2015, enough to supply Liverpool, Bristol and Brighton a year.

The Energy Saving Trust has a number of water saving tips, such as replacing a power shower’s head with a water efficient one, which could save a four-person family around £75 on water bills per year and £50 a year in gas bills.

Posted by Emily Thomas

Sign up for regular email updates to help you save money and energy

For more information please see: Ofwat charges and bills

View the original article here

Product DescriptionHow you d? If you want to t? save? going year n? account? your t? hundredth of sh? rbimeve? Una? Perhaps you would with k? Shilla q? will you? and find n? k? t? eBook! The average family currently in? No consumption? and $ 1600? will year on sh? rbimet, and this too? ? Is? p? r? Hosts q? will? n increases? m? nyr? dramatic? But k? T? year. Nj? more? Cost? Energy costs? p? r nj? is? typically do not drink? is? be in? lost, even though it? is? where you can? will you? save 10% n? 50% n? account? sh? rbimeve your shower? Una. Trick p? R m getting? Eu? Savings? Is? q? t? p? rdorin is? pi t? t? r? with access q? from birth. . . You will?>>>

No-Cost & Low-Cost Energy Saving Tips For Your Home – How would you like to save hundreds every year on your utility bills? You can with the tips you will find in this ebook!