Energy regulator Ofgem admits vulnerable people are getting ill because they can’t afford electricity
The IndependentVulnerable people are making themselves ill by cutting off electricity due to “unprecedented prices”, the UK’s energy regulator has admitted. The admission comes in response to a stark warning to Ofgem from Samantha Allen, NHS chief for the North East and Cumbria, which said the region had seen vulnerable patients admitted to hospital after their energy had been cut off by suppliers. “Given the unprecedented prices, we anticipate that rates of self-disconnection will likely increase as we head into this difficult winter.” On Tuesday former prime minister Gordon Brown called for Ofgem boss Jonathan Brearley to resign over the scandal which has seen thousands of vulnerable Britons forced to switch to prepayment meters. North East and Cumbria NHS region has now launched a campaign to ensure vulnerable patients are signed up to their energy suppliers’ priority services register, which identifies vulnerable people who need additional help.
History of this topic
‘Targeted help needed for those choosing between heat and medical equipment’
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Disabled people facing a ‘cost-of-breathing’ crisis due to high energy bills
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All energy firms say they will stop installing prepay meters in vulnerable customers' homes
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Ofgem report: British Gas among 17 energy suppliers told to improve approach to vulnerable customers
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Crisis? What crisis? Ofgem CEO delivers mixed messages on energy supply
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Vulnerable people admitted to hospital after their energy is cut off, NHS chief warns
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NHS hospitals face paying an extra £2MILLION a month for energy
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UK’s health leaders warn of ‘health emergency’ over energy cost
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Long-term protection planned for struggling energy customers
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