Cheaper fuel plea for area’s poor

 

During a meeting of the North Wales Fuel Poverty Forum in Welshpool, Mr Thomas said the Welsh Government needs to engage with Westminster on the Energy Bill and the Green Deal that aims to ensure energy efficiency standards for homes and businesses.

 

The Mid and West AM also called on energy companies to ensure the cheapest tariffs are available to the most vulnerable in Mid Wales.

 

He said: “We need action from the Welsh government to tackle fuel poverty. One in four households is deemed fuel poor. Nobody in Wales should have to choose between putting a meal on the table and keeping warm. The Welsh Government needs to engage with Westminster on the Energy Bill and the Green Deal to ensure that these measures boost the Welsh economy.   How will the schemes set up by the Westminster Coalition Government run in Wales?

 

“The poorest in Welsh society are missing out on the cheapest tariffs because they lack internet access.  People living in rural areas and pensioners find it difficult to get the cheapest tariffs.  As the latest report by OFCOM shows broadband take-up in Wales still remains below the UK average.  Broadband take-up is lowest among over-55s and poorer households.  Those with a lack of financial services, debit cards and banks accounts miss out on some of the best deals.

 

“Companies need to work with providers of alternative finance for example credit unions and dedicate their vast profits to help the most vulnerable.  Why did gas go up by 51% and electric by 28% when wholesale prices shot up on 2008 but only come down 6% and 9% respectively when prices fell later?  Who is benefitting from these massive profits? If utilities don’t take action the Conservative – Liberal Democrat government should consider a windfall tax on the largest energy companies’ profits.”

 

According to Consumer Focus Wales around 232,000 Welsh households, or one in four Welsh households, were fuel poor in 2008. Most of these households are classed as vulnerable. Recent energy price increases will push at least another 90,000 households in Wales into fuel poverty.  The Welsh government’s own statistics predicts half a million households in Wales are vulnerable to falling into fuel poverty should their incomes fall or energy prices increase.

 

The Fuel Poverty Coalition has also called on the Welsh government to implement a six point action plan ahead of this winter.