Temperature-linked energy payouts rise

02/06/2009

The cold winter has resulted in increased payouts for one over-60s' energy tariff.

Age Concern's product, run in conjunction with energy firm E.ON, showed that a total of £4 million is to be paid out to customers over April-July.

This is around twice 2008's payout - and reflects the harsher temperatures endured by Brits over the winter.

The tariff works by extra payments being made over and on top of the government's £250-per-person Winter Fuel Allowance - with the total amount depending on the temperatures registered over winter.

Age Concern said that typical amounts came to almost £23 per household, with people in areas including Essex and Lancashire, who experienced 52 below-zero days over the winter, receiving the largest amounts.

Mike Abrey-Bugg at Age Concern Energy Services added: "Customers on the Age Concern Energy Services tariff are guaranteed a Cold Weather Payment of £10 for all gas customers (which rises to £20 for customers aged 80 or above).

"As this winter was a particularly harsh one with a record amount of snow falling and temperatures dropping below freezing on 52 days (out of a possible 90 days), we are delighted to be able to help out older people across the UK who might be struggling with bills in the current economic climate."

Tags; Housing Debt and Bills, Retirement Money Problems,

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