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Millions more want government action over energy prices

Which? survey shows 3 million more see energy pricing as priority post election

Three Million more people want to see the government take action on rising energy prices since the general election.

New research by consumer champion Which? showed that more than half of those surveyed (56%) considered energy prices a key priority for government, a 5 percentage point increase since April.

Among 25 to 34-year-old age group, there was a 14 percentage point rise (from 33% in April to 47% in September).

Consumers aged 45 to 54-years-old see energy prices as the biggest issue, with 63% saying the Government should make it a key priority, up from 54% before the election.

The survey was carried out in the wake of come British Gas’ price increase, which took effect this week. The energy company raised electricity prices by 12.5%, with bills for a typical dual-fuel household on its standard tariff set to jump by £76 to £1,120 in a year.

British Gas’s price hike follows a string of similar announcements earlier this year from EDF Energy, SSE, E.On, nPower and Scottish Power.

Ahead of party conference season, Which? is calling for all parties to commit to tackling the energy market as a top priority. 

Alex Neill, managing director of home products and services at Which?, said: “Consumers are sick of the endless debate about energy prices and want action immediately. Our research shows this is an issue that affects almost everyone, with a growing number of younger people worrying about their energy bill.

“Ministers say they are prepared to act, so now is the time to urgently set out how they will make this broken market work for consumers.”