Energy bill costs could leave low-income households £200 out of pocket

It comes even though the government decided to keep the Energy Price Guarantee at £2,500 for an average household until July.  

Additionally, the consumer champion estimates that despite the lowest income households typically using less energy, they will be £75 worse off a year than a household with average energy consumption – who will spend £135 more on energy bills next financial year. 

As such, Which? is calling for a properly targeted social tariff, based on both household income and energy usage.  

Rocio Concha, the consumer rights group’s director of policy and advocacy, said: “It’s hugely worrying that consumers on the lowest incomes could be left over £200 worse off on their energy bills this financial year due to reduced government support. 

“With millions of low-income households across the country already struggling to make ends meet, the government urgently needs to introduce a properly targeted energy social tariff to ensure the most financially vulnerable are able to heat their homes.”