‘Backdoor’ route mooted to set up social tariff this winter

The government could introduce an energy social tariff through the backdoor under existing powers, a fuel poverty campaigner has revealed. Simon Francis, co-ordinator at the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, told MPs on the House of Commons’ energy security and net zero select committee that it is disappointing that the government has not yet fulfilled its commitment to consult on the introduction of a social tariff for vulnerable customers. But giving evidence to the recently established committee, he said hard up consumers could be helped this winter by using legislative powers to set up the Energy Price Guarantee.