Consumer Focus Scotland response to SSE gas cuts announcement
Responding to today’s announcement of gas cuts by Scottish & Southern Energy, Marieke Dwarshuis, Director of Consumer Focus Scotland, said:
‘This is good news for Scottish energy consumers and hopefully will spark the price war that has been conspicuous by its absence since British Gas cut its gas bills last month.
‘Wholesale gas and electricity prices have been falling for months and we believe price cuts for both should have been passed on before the winter started. Energy companies now have no excuses for not slashing energy bills across the board.
‘People should use the recent cuts to check they are getting the best possible deal and consider ways of lowering their energy bills, including switching suppliers and improving the energy efficiency of their homes.’
ENDS
Notes to editors
Factfile:
- In 2008 gas bills rose by 51% and electricity by 28%, yet they only came down by 8.7% and 8.3% respectively in 2009/10.
- The average dual fuel energy bill is currently £1,230 per year, based on a medium user paying by standard credit.
- It is estimated that 800,000 Scottish households are now likely to be living in fuel poverty – spending 10% or more of their income on energy bills.
- The number of excess winter deaths in Scotland in 2008/09 increased to 3510 from 2180. This is the highest level since winter 1999/2000. (Source GROS).
Media Contact
For more information please call Ryan Norton, Communications Manager, Consumer Focus Scotland, on 0141 227 1852 or email ryan.norton@consumerfocus.org.uk