The NPC has warned the Ofgem consultation on standing charges that their proposals for reform are ‘not good enough’ and that these cruel tariffs should be scrapped.
In our letter of submission before the consultation closed (20th March), we also told the industry regulator of our disappointment that it has made no effort to reduce energy firms’ inflated, multi-billion pound profits.
We said the NPC supports having a zero standing charge option. The only reasonable alternative would appear to be a proposed ‘rising block tariff’ for low energy users - although even this requires careful re-examination.
Jan Shortt, NPC General Secretary said: “We have had an overwhelming response from older people who are struggling to cope with the rapid increases in the price of energy, and, to make matters worse, the loss of the universal Winter Fuel Payment. As energy firms continue to report record, multi-billion-pound profits older people fail to see why they are having to pay extremely high standing charges on top of extortionate bills for the actual energy we use.
“This is why the NPC supports getting rid of these high standing charges that mean many of us end up without enough money for the essential energy we need.
So, we hope Ofgem seriously considers our submission and those of our co-campaigners, such as the End Fuel Poverty Coalition and Fuel Poverty Action.
· Read the full NPC consultation letter pdf below:
· Statement by End Fuel Poverty Coalition, here: Reports and correspondence - End Fuel Poverty Coalition
Download the statement
Download the letter to Ofgem