Vulnerable homeowners 'must not be hit by energy overpricing'

People on lower incomes should be offered more support by the energy regulator to ensure that they are not hit by overly large bills in the future, according to one expert.

National Energy Action's Lesley Tudor-Snodin believes that Ofgem has a role to play when it comes to protecting such homeowners.

Ms Tudor-Snodin, a spokeswoman for the organisation, commented: "Ofgem must act to ensure that vulnerable households are not driven further into fuel poverty by overpricing."

She went on to say that some bill payers might be confused as to why the profits of energy firms appear to be getting bigger, while they themselves are having to struggle to meet the costs of fuel.

Although the recent winter weather may have forced some people to get credit to cover their increased fuel costs, the Energy Saving Trust's head of knowledge services Dr Paula Owen noted this month that energy efficient measures could lead to money savings.

Posted by Martin Peacock.