Imperial Party forum

thomas davison

UK NEWS
ENERGY BILLS TO SOAR TO RECORD HIGH NEXT YEAR

People across the nation will be burdened with higher energy bills, according to experts
Thursday September 13,2012
By Charlotte Meredith for express.co.uk
FAMILIES are to be hit with yet another financial burden, as the average energy bill is set to rocket to a record-breaking �1,428.

Already cash-strapped consumers could face an additional bill of �3 billion, according to Energyhelpline.com, who have revealed that price inflation could be implemented by energy companies in the coming months.

Companies are reportedly preparing to follow in the lead of supplier SSE, who announced a dramatic nine per cent rise in prices last month.

"Consumers face an additional bill of �3bn as energy companies prepare to follow SSE's suit, ditching low-cost fixed-priced tariffs at the height of winter," industry experts said.

The predicted price rises will see the average UK family forced to find an extra �118 per year for its energy bills

More...
� Petrol prices soar to near record levels
� Older people feeling the pinch
� Train fares to soar after shock rise in inflation

EDF Energy, First Utility and Scottish Power have all stopped fixed-rate tariffs in the last week, meaning UK consumers could be hit with record-breaking energy bills in a financially frosty winter.

The predicted price rises will see the average UK family forced to find an extra �118 per year for its energy bills, Energyhelpline.com said.

Mark Todd, a director of the independent price comparison service, said: �Now really is the last chance-saloon for consumers to win the battle of the bills before more suppliers pull the better-deal tariffs and prepare for January price hikes.

"We predict that by the New Year all the major suppliers will follow SSE�s lead and announce price increases of at least nine per cent. If consumers want to start 2013 with a healthy bank balance now is the time to switch.�

Energy prices have nearly doubled over the past seven years, with the average bill being �765 in 2005, the company said.

"Compare this increase to the plodding rises in pay, just 1.6pc in the last year, and this puts into stark contrast the situation faced by consumers bearing the brunt of austerity coupled with a burgeoning cost of living," Mr Todd added.

In a further blow to consumers, Ofgem figures show that since January 2011 gas usage has decreased by 20 per cent, meaning that � while tariffs have continued to rise � the amount users get for their money has decreased.

"In short, bigger profits for suppliers and a worsening deal for customers," Mr Todd said.

This is just not fair, customers have no choice but to buy from these very manipulative suppliers, whose foreign owners are out of reach of UK regulation, that regulation we were promised during the privatization process, would step in, should things get out of hand. These companies have been suspected of using tacit collusion in rigging these prices....it's outrages! Our MP's should be protesting in the streets and petitioning Downing street over this. NO they wont, they are as bad with their noses in the trough, for what they do for us they may as well not be there.