![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/mps-call-for-energy-bill-help-to-stave-off-winter-crisis/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/131233899_gettyimages-1427597725.jpg&description=Image source, Getty Images Vulnerable households face an "inevitable new winter crisis" without more help on energy bills, a group of MPs has said. They called on the government, regulator Ofgem, and energy suppliers to take urgent action. People are being squeezed by cost of living pressures and debt, the MPs on the Commons select committee added. Industry group Energy UK said suppliers had been increasing support at "a very difficult time for its customers". In a report, the MPs on the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee said that the government had provided "unprecedented levels of support" last year when it stepped in to help with soaring energy bills. But they are now concerned that no new help has been announced for this winter. In addition, last year £440m of support intended for vulnerable families went unallocated, and was returned to the Treasury. Households who missed out on the Energy Bills Support Scheme should get their payment, the MPs said. Suppliers and Ofgem should make sure customers get more "time, attention and support", they added. Angus MacNeil, the chair of the committee, said: "The nights are now drawing in and many of our most vulnerable people will be haunted by harrowing memories of the relentless sacrifices they were forced into last year, just to keep their heads above water in the face of exorbitant energy costs." He said a quarter of those people still carry energy debts, and an announcement of more help from the government was "long overdue". The committee said the government should extend the Warm Home Discount scheme, which gives a £150 one-off discount on energy bills, and it called on Ofgem to make sure suppliers give vulnerable customers "more time, attention and support". Mr MacNeil said that energy firms needed to make "a drastic improvement in customer service and empathy" for people facing tough times. He added that "unfair and regressive standing charges" should go. "After all you don't pay a standing charge to buy petro){kind=link}
Vulnerable households face an “inevitable new winter crisis” without more help on energy bills, a group of MPs has said.
They called on the government, regulator Ofgem, and energy suppliers to take urgent action.
People are being squeezed by cost of living pressures and debt, the MPs on the Commons select committee added.
Industry group Energy UK said suppliers had been increasing support at “a very difficult time for its customers”.
In a report, the MPs on the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee said that the government had provided “unprecedented levels of support” last year when it stepped in to help with soaring energy bills.