2023-07-08 15:20:35
(Artwork. AFP/VNA)
Ofgem has announced that the number of households experiencing gas and electricity cuts over the past winter has increased sharply because they do not have enough money to recharge their prepaid meters.
Specifically, in the first three months of 2023, the number of customers whose smart prepaid meters (PPMs) were “disconnected” for at least three hours increased by 25% to 269,351 customers. Meanwhile, customers with gas supply cuts increased 13% to 534,462 customers.
Ofgem’s data reflects how many customers are having trouble paying their gas and electricity bills. Peter Smith, Policy Director at National Energy Action Charity (UK), said the impact of the energy crisis was still being felt across the UK.
He commented that customers using PPM are often among the most vulnerable. They are often stuck in debt and have no choice but to limit their energy use.
[Giá khí đốt tại châu Âu xuống mức thấp nhất trong gần 2 năm]
Analysts point out that the government subsidized £400 (about $513) of energy bills during the cost-of-living crisis, mostly on top of prepaid electricity meters. Do gas There is no similar financial support so the number of customers with gas cuts accurately reflects their ability to pay energy bill of people.
Ofgem has lowered the ceiling on gas prices and electricity price down to £2,074 per household earlier this July, but the positive effect is negligible. This is because the government is simultaneously withdrawing programs to subsidize household energy bills.
Mr. Smith said the government’s withdrawal of support for more than two-thirds of households means that this winter energy bills will remain as high as they are. winter last year and is still £1,000 a year higher than it was before the crisis.
The higher cost of living will also have a big impact on household budgets, and many people will have their energy supplies cut off next winter, unless the government provides targeted support.
Mai Ly (VNA/Vietnam+)
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