Energy News

Energy bills to hit £4,000 by 2020

Monday, 21 December 2009

By Hazel Cottrell - hazel@consumerchoices.co.uk

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Brits living in poorly-insulated homes could see their energy bills rise by a third by 2020, experts warn.

Rising wholesale prices, a growing dependence on imported energy and investment in renewable energy will result in the price of energy rocketing over the next decade.

Energy is going to get a lot more expensive over the next decade, so the only way to avoid bigger bills is to use less of it.

The annual energy bill for a three-bedroom semi could rise to over £2,600 by 2020, according to consumer champion Which? (www.which.co.uk). Meanwhile, families living in detached houses could be faced with bills of almost £4,000.

Which? editor Martyn Hocking, warned: “Energy is going to get a lot more expensive over the next decade, so the only way to avoid bigger bills is to use less of it.”

He added: “The government must take urgent action to stop bills from spiralling out of control and to help consumers make their homes more energy-efficient, otherwise millions of people will be faced with crippling bills in the future.”

Research by Which? found that 73% of people would worry about being able to afford an increase of a third in energy prices, while 28% are worried about paying current bills.

Chris Eagle, commercial manager at Energychoices.co.uk, said: “Investing in energy efficiency measures now will save you money in the long run.

“You should contact your local authority to find out what energy efficiency grants are available in your area, and download our Complete Guide to energy efficiency for useful tips that will help you cut your energy bills.”