It has been announced today by the government that plans are to be put in place to help elderly and vulnerable people pay their fuel bills. Its said that new powers to share data are being planned so energy firms and the government can advise on the best value tariffs for gas and electricity.

Regulator Ofgem has said that it hopes the measures will help alleviate the “fuel poverty” suffered by people on low incomes. But campaigners have said that the plans do not go far enough, and that poorer families will continue to face a fuel crisis. This is very true it is always that elderly that get the help what about the familes on low income?

The concern for those people on low income is growing since energy suppliers announced steep rises in the price of gas and electricity. All the major suppliers announced double-digit increases in early 2008, and more rises are expected by the end of the year.

An extra £3m is being offered to encourage householders who want to generate their own power through wind turbines and solar panels. Ministers have said that they want existing government programmes which help with energy efficiency to make sure people are aware of the help that is on offer.

Energy minister Malcolm Wicks said that it was important to provide “sustainable solutions” for the elderly, disabled people, and young families at risk from fuel poverty.

Ed Matthew who is from Friends of the Earth said taht “The new fuel poverty measures announced today won’t fix the problem - people will still be left out in the cold. The only way to warm up our four million fuel poor homes is to super-insulate them and help them produce their own energy. ”

What do you think?

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