Moneysupermarket.com: Brits can't pay more for energy

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Moneysupermarket.com: Brits can't pay more for energy

Fri 11th Jul 2008

Most Britons would not be able to afford an increase in energy bills, a survey for moneysupermarket.com has found.

The survey, taken after speculation that prices could soar by 40 per cent before 2009, prompted 86 per cent of respondents to make the claim.

A total of 40 per cent is already struggling, while nearly half (46 per cent) are only just managing to pay for gas and electricity.

Paul Schofield, head of utilities at moneysupermarket.com, said price hikes of 40 per cent could make the bills of people on standard tariffs exceed £1,400 a year.

But he said these people have the option to "fix" their bills from now until the end of 2009, explaining that there is only 2p a year difference on average between standard and fixed tariffs.

High fuel costs are beginning to alter consumer behavior, according to The Economist magazine.

Citing evidence from the AA, Firstgroup and Footfall, it said that motorists, rail and ferry travellers and shoppers have all been affected.

Drivers use their second cars less, bus and train drivers are being encouraged not to waste fuel and fewer shoppers are visiting out-of-town shops.

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