Consumer Focus has called on the government to ensure that pensioners are given help on fuel costs via the new Energy Bill.
The upcoming legislation, unveiled this week in the Queen’s speech, contains measures designed to reduce fuel poverty in the UK.
Included in the bill is the extension of Ofgem’s remit to protect consumers.
The watchdog is to be given new powers to get rebates for vulnerable groups struggling to meet their energy costs.
Jonathan Stearn, energy expert for Consumer Focus, said: "We’re very glad to see that the government is showing leadership on tackling fuel poverty, by moving to cut the bills of the poorest energy customers.
"However, these plans must ensure that the millions of vulnerable pensioners, families and disabled people living in fuel poverty get the cheapest deal possible."
Fuel poverty is officially defined as occurring when a household spends over ten per cent of income on gas and electricity.
Around 6.6 million Britons, including a disproportionate number of pensioners, are thought to be currently suffering from the problem.
Income worries among the elderly can be alleviated through taking out an equity release plan.
Posted by Claire Ford
