Underfloor Heating - ''One in six Brits lives in fuel poverty''

21/01/2008

Up to one in six Britons are struggling with heating bills, according to consumer group energywatch.

According to figures from the group over four million homeowners are living in fuel poverty - a state it defines as having to spend over one-tenth of a household's income on electricity and gas bills.

What is more this number is set to raise with the news that energy companies are set to raise charges 15 per cent, stating that these are in line with higher wholesale prices for gas and electricity.

This move will force a further 400,000 into the fuel poverty category, energywatch claims.

In response the group has called for immediate action to relieve the burden in a letter to the energy minister John Hutton.

A statement from energywatch said: "Among the effective responses to the harmful effects of escalating fuel prices is for the companies to offer low-cost 'social' tariffs to vulnerable households," the alliance said in a statement.

"Current company social tariff initiatives vary widely, it argues, and companies need to do more to raise standards."

Heat and Plumb offers a range of heating solutions through which you can cut your bills, including energy-efficient boilers and underfloor heating systems.