Gas bills to drop?
Updated on 05 January 2009
Wholesale gas prices drop, but why aren't the energy firms passing them on to the customers? Bridgid Nzekwu reports.
The recent cold snap is putting extra pressure on those struggling to pay their heating bills, especially the elderly and other vulnerable people.
Despite the chilly temperatures, the special rules which trigger extra payments don't apply. And although oil prices have tumbled from last summer's peak, pushing down the cost of wholesale gas, customer gas bills have only been reduced a small amount.
Today Scottish Power has introduced a new tariff which cuts gas bills by 10 per cent but it may be some months before most customers see their bills come down.
Interview: Derek Lickorish
Samira Ahmed interviews Derek Lickorish, chair of the government's Fuel poverty Advisory Group. 5 Jan 2008.
