DECC fuel poverty figures ‘out of date’ says uSwitch Fuel poverty figures released today by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) are ‘out of touch with reality’ and underestimate the true scale of the problem, says uSwitch.

The latest figures from DECC estimate  that 5.5 million UK households are in fuel poverty

Fuel poverty is when a household spends over 10% of its income on gas and electricity bills.

By comparison,  uSwitch research puts the figure at 6.3 million households, or 24% of the population.

The DECC research was conducted in 2009, which means the figures are already two years out of date.

They show fuel poverty has risen by one million households since 2008 – a significant jump for just one year.

The more recent uSwitch figures show that single working parents are the most likely group to be in fuel poverty, with 39% of the demographic affected.

36% of working class households and 15% of middle class households were also struggling to cope with energy costs.

As well as the economic downturn, a 71% increase in energy bills over the last five years is thought to have contributed to the rise and widened the number of parts of societyaffected.

Fuel poverty is now starting to affect people ‘from all walks of life’, said Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer Policy at uSwitch: “DECC’s fuel poverty figures are out of date and out of touch with reality.

“They date back to 2009 whereas in fact 24% or 6.3 million households are living in fuel poverty today.

“Household energy bills have rocketed by an eye-watering £472 or 71% in just over 5 years.

“As a result we can now find the fuel poor amongst all walks of life and in all types of households.

“The sad truth is that consumers are paying a heavy price for this country’s disjointed, incoherent and unaffordable energy policy.

“With household energy prices on the rise again, people must start protecting themselves now and there are two key steps in this: pay the lowest possible price for your energy and learn to use less of it by becoming more energy-efficient.

“Many households, especially those on tight budgets, may like the security of a fixed price energy plan.

“But all households should also look to invest in longer-term energy efficiency measures, such as insulating lofts and cavity walls.

“Those who would struggle to afford this investment should contact their energy supplier to see whether they would qualify for any energy efficiency grants or financial support.

“Suppliers have a pot of money available to help customers in this way and those who qualify could see their energy bills substantially reduced as a result.”

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