AN estimated 2.8 million pensioners are expected to ration their energy usage during the coming months due to fears they cannot afford their energy bills, a new study states.
Following recent storms across the UK, almost half of elderly residents surveyed (48%) said they believed that recent cold weather could result in higher energy bills than usual. And the study by Comparethemarket.com reveals that 23% of those over the age of 65 will ration their heating during the coming months to combat the anticipated hike.
The price comparison website’s report shows that 17% of those surveyed are concerned that they will not be able to pay their bills from their income or pension alone. Head of energy at Comparethemarket.com, Peter Earl, said: “These findings should make sober reading for policy makers and energy company chiefs alike.
“We hear a lot of commentary about how today’s over-65s are more financially secure than previous generations, but such a broad-brush perception risks leaving millions of elderly people out in the cold and overpaying for their energy in silence.”
The research added that over-65s pay “disproportionately over the odds” for energy, with the data highlighting that 2.1m elderly people are on uncompetitive standard variable tariffs (SVTs).
Earl continued: “If the average person aged over 65 on a SVT switched provider, the saving would be more than the annual cost of a TV license.
“For those less comfortable online, switching to a cheaper supplier by phone or post is an option that some may not realise is available.
“The energy market is more competitive than ever before, and there are many cost-effective fixed deals available.”
The National launched an ethical energy partnership in January to combat fuel poverty, which is thought to affect around 25% of households in Scotland.
This newspaper teamed up with Scottish supplier Together Energy to launch a tariff which generates cash for the cause and draws its power from a renewable source.
So far, £6000 has been raised. To sign up or for more information visit www.bit.ly/national500.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel