Call to end energy price inequality

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Age Concern said pensioners are paying a premium for energy because they are less likely to have access to the internet, leaving them without access to price comparison websites and the cheapest online tariffs.

The charity is calling on the Government to tackle unfair energy pricing in the forthcoming pre-Budget report.

Despite recent energy price hikes and efforts to encourage switching, a study by Age Concern found little increase in the number of customers changing supplier.

The survey found one in five customers changed their supplier this year (21%) compared to nearly one in five (18%) switching previously.

It also found about seven out of 10 households were unlikely to consider switching supplier next year.

Older people were the least likely to switch next year, with the majority saying they were unsure if it would save them money or worried that it could make their situation worse.

Pensioners and other low income households at greater risk of fuel poverty were further penalised by their lack of access to discounted online deals, the charity said.

The study found pensioners were the least likely to use the internet to switch supplier, with just 16% shopping around online compared with 39% of those aged 25 to 54.

The charity wants the Government to work with energy companies to reform social tariffs and remove pricing penalties for pre-payment meter and cash and cheque customers. It is also calling for a one-off payment of £100 for pensioners entitled to benefits to enable them to heat their homes this winter.