Number of deaths caused by cold homes 'is shameful' - 11/02/2011
It is shameful that many vulnerable consumers are not able to afford cheap energy to heat the whole of their homes, the UK Public Health Association has said.
Professor John Ashton, chair of the organisation, said the way most domestic energy bills are calculated is contributing to a significant number of deaths each winter.
Talking to the BBC, he said the two-tier tariff used by most energy suppliers has a high initial cost per unit, with prices for subsequent power used falling after that point.
"We spend a lot of effort trying to prevent premature deaths at all ages but particularly in the elderly," he told the broadcaster.
"This is something that we ought to be able to do quite simply, and one of the things is addressing this iniquitous pricing structure."
His comments come on February 11th, which has been designated fuel poverty awareness day by National Energy Action.
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