Energy firms handing savings to hard-pressed customers haven’t gone far enough to avoid accusations of profiteering at our expense.
New tax measures from the Government means energy firms are giving a little back.
British Gas owner Centrica will give its customers £53 from January – but this news comes two months on from its average price hike of £123 a year for the average dual fuel home.
Jean Ginders (63), from Spalding, says her 89-year-old dad heats only one room because he’s concerned about his bills.
She said Government steps to cut bills do not go far enough.
“I have been listening to what they have said on television,” she said. “It just shows how much money goes on administration and not covering the cost of the actual power itself.”
Kevin Davy (72), from Donington, said: “I personally am not struggling to pay, but I am sure people are.”
He says £50 cash back will “pay for just under a month”.
Mimi Witek (34), from Spalding, says bills are too high for most people to pay comfortably.
She said: “We can pay the bills because my husband and I work.”
Pensioner Howard Huett, from Holbeach, said: “I think there is an element of profiteering going on, but by the same token the energy companies have to get a reasonable return on their investments and the same goes for the shareholders otherwise the stock goes down.”
Robert Darkin (65), from Spalding, said: “Bills are atrocious. They are making a lot of money and they are charging more each time.”
David Porter (67), from Spalding, says £50 cash back is not enough and doesn’t make up for the tremendous price rises.
He said: “Bills are definitely too high.”