Summary
Pensioners living in two tower blocks in Bloxwich, Walsall, saw a sharp increase in their heating and hot water bills as charges nearly quadrupled. The housing provider, Walsall Housing Group, stated it could no longer afford to keep energy rates low and has adjusted prices to reflect the full cost. Residents expressed difficulty managing the new costs.
Key Facts
- Pensioners in Woodall and Hamilton House experienced a sharp increase in energy bills.
- Prices rose from 4p per kWh to 13.75p at Woodall House and to 17.67p at Hamilton House.
- The landlord, Walsall Housing Group, said it can't subsidize low rates anymore.
- Individual gas boilers were removed for safety in 2021, and a central heating system was installed.
- Residents at Woodall and Hamilton House now pay less than the national average but more than before.
- The average energy cost in the UK is 6.29p per kWh for gas and 26.35p per kWh for electricity.
- A director at WHG mentioned the firm has been subsidizing the costs for several years.
- The housing group offers support to customers struggling with the increased costs.
