Boris Johnson urged to fast-track automatic energy switching to help hard-up families get cheapest deals
BORIS Johnson was today urged to fast-track automatic energy switching to help hard-up Brits get the cheapest deals.
Struggling families face £139 price rises this winter as the current energy cap is lifted on October 1.
Ministers say they will bring forward plans to automatically move many customers to the lowest tariff on the market.
But a consultation began only last month and nothing is expected to be in place before 2024.
The Sun asked six big power firms if they would pledge not to raise prices.
EDF Energy responded saying global prices for fossil fuels were rising at an unprecedented rate.
A spokesperson added: "Regrettably, customers of all energy suppliers, whether on standard variable tariffs or renewing fixed price deals, will at some point see the impact of this global trend.”
Mike Foster of the Energy and Utilities Alliance said: “One million households could go into fuel poverty. There has to be some action taken.
“Whether that’s bringing forward switching or continuing the £20 Universal Credit uplift to plug the bill — ministers have those powers at their disposal and can act tomorrow.”
Peter Smith of National Energy Action added: “The devastating increase to the price cap couldn’t come at a worse time.”
MP Darren Jones, head of the business select committee, said: “If energy companies can’t help their poorest customers get on to the best-priced tariffs this winter then there’ll be little left but for ministers to legislate.”
Tory MP Rob Halfon added: "This can't come soon enough."
A BEIS spokesperson said: “While the price cap still saves 15 million households up to £100 a year, the best way for consumers to keep energy bills down is to shop around for the cheapest tariffs on the market.
“To help consumers further, we plan to trial automatic switching for customers on expensive default tariffs to cheaper deals, and are extending the Warm Home Discount so an extra 750,000 households get £150 knocked off their bill each year.”
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Martin Lewis has urged bill payers to make the switch with their energy deals now to save hundreds of pounds a year before prices rise.
It's one of the tips we've come up with to help save money on your energy bills.
You could also save £1,400 on energy costs by replacing lightbulbs and ditching paper bills too.