Power bills are the largest and most hated
COMMENT: Power bills are already one of the largest - and most hated - bills to hit households but things are about to get a lot worse.
Predictions are household electricity costs could double over the next five years.
Double. In just five years.
With bills already at exorbitant levels, substantial increases to this magnitude will undoubtedly hit many people hard.
We at the Daily News often speak to community members about the issue of electricity costs and it is clear some people are already genuinely struggling.
Seniors in particular often talk about days when they don't leave their beds because it is so cold and they can't afford heating.
Others simply cut out food or vital medication in a bid to stay warm.
With a significant rates rise having just been inflicted on homeowners across the region, these power rises are yet another blow to our budgets and way of life.
While it is to be expected costs will increase over time, there really needs to be heavy regulation on the increase of bills such as rates and electricity because there is no choice but to pay.
It's not like increasing the price on a pack of cigarettes, a plane ticket or an iPhone... people need electricity and they need to pay rates on their homes.
There has to be more consumer protection for these issues because some people simply cannot survive it.
What do you think?
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Kerri Moore
Print Editor
