'Social tariff could ease fuel poverty'

TARGETED social tariff offering discounted energy bills to those who need it most could lift millions out of fuel poverty in England and Wales, according to a report.

- JOSIE CLARKE

The report for energy firm Ovo by the Green Alliance think-tank found a social tariff providing discounted energy bills for low-income households would lift more people out of fuel poverty than current support schemes while also preventing a squeeze on middle earners.

Ovo said it supported targeting households with unavoidable higher-than-average energy demand, such as those who live with disabilities, are older or live in high-occupancy homes.

It urged the UK Government and industry to work together to find a “better way” of identifying these customers in need, using data that existed across the public and private sector.