Whos to blame for higher energy bills?
Who’s to blame for higher energy bills?
As oil prices increase globally and the UK?s gas supplies continue to decline, this is reflected in retail energy prices. However, research by Opinium for Carbon Brief found that only 16% said that it is the increase of wholesale fuel prices that have forced energy companies to pass on higher prices to their consumers.
Looking at data from the ONS we see that the steady increase in domestic gas and electricity bills began eight years ago.
People are increasingly looking to energy companies for answers and 48% of UK adults believe the main reason for the rise in prices over the past twelve months is down to energy companies hiking up prices to make extra profits.
Additionally, 10% think that the government is mainly responsible in one way or another ? 7% think that increased government taxes to fund investment in ?green? energy supplies have caused increased prices, 3% blame increased government taxes to fund spending in other areas.
Opinium Research carried out an online survey of 2,035 UK adults aged 18+ from 22nd to 24th of January 2013. Results have been weighted to nationally representative criteria.
