London Mayor demands urgent action and supports calls for energy price freeze

The Mayor of London has said he supports calls for an energy price freeze to support households facing fuel poverty, as bills are expected to increase by over 110%.

Energy bills could be more than £4,200 by 2023, three times higher than they were at the beginning of this year, which could be devastating for the one in 10 citizens currently in fuel poverty.  

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, is calling on the government to bring in an extended windfall tax to enable an energy price freeze and to introduce a ‘lifeline tariff’ to support the most vulnerable.

This would allow those most at risk of fuel poverty to use a minimum amount of energy for free before charges were applied once the threshold was met.

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: ’Many Londoners don’t know how they are going to keep warm this winter. Some don’t know how they will feed their children. This is a crisis and the Government needs to get serious.

‘That is why I am calling on Ministers to convene Cobra, act on calls to stop energy bills from rising and for the introduction of an emergency Lifeline Tariff to ensure the most vulnerable Londoners are able to access basic energy use this winter. I am determined to deliver net zero in a way that helps Londoners manage these costs increases but I can’t do it alone.

‘We’re now suffering the consequences of a decade of Government inaction on energy efficiency. The Government must match my pace and ambition and support plans like my own that would save lives this winter.’

The current Warm Homes Discount provides a rebate for vulnerable people struggling with energy costs, but the recent surge in prices means a ‘lifeline tariff’ is also needed, according to Mr Khan.

The Mayor is also focusing on improving energy efficiency as a way to reduce bills, City Hall analysis has revealed that London buildings are disproportionately ill-insulated.

His Net Zero Pathway could bring millions of fuel poverty through improving energy efficiency and could save Londoners £37bn over the decade to 2030.

Mr Khan’s £43m Warmer Homes programme is also already in place, improving insulation for low-income homes this winter.

Photo by KWON JUNHO