Fuel Poverty: Protect millions with energy social tariff – Plaid Cymru

Plaid Cymru is urging the UK Government to include the introduction of an Energy Social Tariff in the King’s Speech on 7 November, as millions face fuel poverty this winter.  

The party’s Treasury spokesperson, Ben Lake MP, said that the current system of only giving those on means-tested benefits “misses thousands of people living in fuel poverty.”  

The proposed social tariff aims to address the pressing issue of rising energy prices and the growing number of individuals struggling to pay their energy bills.  

Energy prices are around £700 higher than in October 2021, when the energy crisis began, and are expected to remain at elevated levels in the long term. Meanwhile, record numbers of people are seeking energy debt support in Wales.   

 Plaid Cymru says that a social tariff could offer price protection by lowering unit rates, standing charges, or providing bill rebates, calculated by using a formula that accounts for their energy consumption and household income. Other countries such as Belgium already have energy social tariffs which offer lower prices for households struggling with energy bills.

Mr Lake also suggests that a social tariff could help to reduce inflation by bringing down the cost of energy bills, and the money saved by households would likely find its way into local economies.  

Ben Lake MP said:  

“As winter starts to bite, the UK Government needs to be innovative in finding ways of protecting the most vulnerable from the harsh burden of unaffordable energy costs. The King’s Speech must include a fairer system for targeted energy bill support in the form of a social tariff.  

“In a time when rising energy costs are worsened by the impact of high inflation, many households find their disposable income having dwindled. Even if energy prices see a temporary dip, many households still grapple with significant energy debts.  

“The current system of energy bills support, doesn't match the scale of the problem. Government support which only focuses on those receiving means tested benefits does not cover all of the 6.3 million UK households who are in fuel poverty, which has increased from 4.5 million over the past two years. An energy social tariff, on the other hand, would offer price protection to all households facing energy bill difficulties. By lowering unit rates, standing charges, or providing bill rebates, a social tariff could offer long-term security and much-needed relief to those facing bills which are over 50% higher than pre-crisis levels.  

“The Government has long promised a consultation on a social tariff. Plaid Cymru urges the Prime Minister to include proposals for a social tariff in the King's Speech, so that people can have some confidence that they can stay warm this winter."