Bates welcomes British Gas 10% cut but warns more action needed

12.00.00am GMT Thu 22nd Jan 2009

Montgomeryshire AM Mick Bates has welcomed the announcement of a 10% reduction in its standard gas price for customers, effective from 19th February, which will save customers £79 on the average household gas bill. However he warns much more action is needed to help the thousands living in fuel poverty across Wales.

Commenting Mick stated:

"I am pleased that British Gas is recognising the difficulties that thousands of people across Wales are facing in the current economic climate, struggling to pay bills and with more and more people falling into fuel poverty. However latest figures show the number of fuel poor households in Wales has increased to 270,000, a rise of more than 100% from 2004, so there is clearly more action needed."

British Gas raised its prices by 35% last July so customers will still be paying more than they were before that increase.

"While a 10% reduction is welcome and will save customers around £79 per year on their bills, a higher reduction is needed to have a real impact on those living in fuel poverty across the country" Mick added.

"I am particularly concerned that when the Sustainability Committee called in the big six energy companies as part of our fuel poverty inquiry, not all of the energy companies could provide details of exactly how much they spend on helping their customers in Wales out of fuel poverty or of the programmes and schemes they provide.

"Energy efficiency measures are an excellent way to reduce household emissions as well as save money on fuel bills. £1 in every £4 spent on energy is wasted due to poor insulation and I am concerned that people may be missing out on savings of around £175 per year by not installing energy efficiency measures such as loft and cavity wall insulation.

"British Gas is spending more money on energy efficiency over the next few years and I urge all constituents who may benefit from these measures to contact them or the Energy Saving Trust for information and advice on how to energy proof their homes."

Notes:

British Gas contact numbers:

For insulation enquiries 08459717731

For general energy efficiency enquiries please call 08456040055

Energy Saving Trust:

Freephone 0800 512 012

End/Diwedd