Westminster energy plans “do nothing to support those on lowest incomes”

Joyce says “being poor costs more”
Fuel poverty campaigner Joyce Watson said the Westminster Government’s plans to simplify energy tariffs, “do nothing to support those on the lowest incomes”.
Joyce Watson AM (Mid and West Wales) recently launched her fuel poverty campaign, holding an Assembly debate to tackle this issue.
Under the new plan the big six energy companies will have to write to customers annually to tell them of the best energy tariff available to them.
Joyce Watson AM commented:
“This doesn’t address the fundamental issue: if you are poor you pay more.
“The poorest people in our society are paying the highest amounts for their fuel, at a time of rising fuel bills. Too many people face a stark choice: heat or eat.
“Around one in five Welsh people use prepayment meters, yet these can cost around £80 more a year than direct debit tariffs.
“Last year, the average household saw their energy cost rise by about £300. Meanwhile, the big six power companies cleared profits of around £15 billion —£168 per second in profit from British customers last year. That is profiteering, when people are struggling to pay their bills.
“I am calling on these companies to close this unfair fuel gap. They must bring their prices for pre-pay meters and standard credit in line with other forms of payment like direct debit”.