As 'energy bills may rise 40% this winter' any money/life saving tips? As OAPs face choice; food or heat, yes?

Question

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Energy bills could go up by 40%

Energy bills could rise from £1,050 on average to almost £1,500

Household energy bills could increase by as much as 40% this winter, the BBC has learned, as oil and wholesale gas prices hit record highs.

The increases could mean households paying £400 more a year on average for their gas and electricity, senior industry sources have said.

The increase is far more than analysts have predicted in recent months.

It would put more pressure on homeowners already struggling with higher food and fuel costs.

Announcements are most likely to come in August, when energy bills are not at the forefront of people's minds, says BBC business correspondent Nils Blythe.

There is a great reluctance in the industry to be the first to reveal a big rise, so the rises may be unveiled in stages

http://bbc.co.uk/news

See 'Have your say' & demand public debate, OK?

Answer 1

I agree with you this is ridiculous at this rate the poor will be homeless, starving with no medical care, no dental work, and no  heating for those fortunate enough to have held on to their houses...what is the UK coming to this is pathetic...

Answer 2

The only people making money out of this 'feared recession' are OPEC.

Generate a fear of loss

I am no economist but I can read the signals - OPEC (or what they choose to call themselves now) are holding the world to ransom

Cartels are the same the whole world over -be it oil, drugs etc..

The saddest thing is....we are the ones that suffer the most - the oldies (dispensable folk)

Answer 3

Gosh this goes on and on - personally I am seriously thinking of suspended animation.  I'll resurrect myself when all this trouble is over.

Answer 4

I have an open fire and will be burning logs and possibly coal.  I'll also live in one room if I have to.  It is rediculous that a rich country like ours is forced into this.  

I don't have much sympathy with those who live on their own or a couple in a large 3 or 4 bedroom house - you don't need the space and if you can't afford to heat unused space, that's tough!  For everyone else, warmer clothing, anything to stop draughts and plenty of hot drinks!

Answer 5

I dont know about anyone else but I'm scared, making ends meet it tough already without having another £400 plus quid on fuel bills. Yet there is nothing we can do, we can hardly boycott. If anyone does have suggestions then I'd love to hear them

Answer 6

dont waste go to world war one and re learn

Answer 7

don't use any "energy" stick to coal n oil lamps.. save u 99%

Answer 8

its been happening for quite some time, many elderly already do have to choose between heating or food, but as to tips well  one is get the energy companies to stop paying their exes huge salaries and bonuses, and cut fuel bills, it can be done, but they won't. I got help from a energy company but it took nearly three months for them to do so. If had i been a 90 year old and in desperate need i most likely wouldn't have made it through the winter.

This government needs to seriously look at the situation because more people are going to die because they cut back, and all the other pressures too like council tax which is the biggest highway robbery of all time.

Answer 9

Hi hunni

Most OAP's get a Cold Weather payment of at least £200, every year to help with heating bills through the winter period.

disabled people however only get small payments if the temperature drops below a certain point for a few days in any one week, hardly fair is it. I think disabled people should get the same Cold weather payments as OAP's.