Confusing energy bills will only make it harder for households to budget this winter

SIR – The Government’s assistance with the cost of energy is being handled differently by suppliers.

Some companies are refunding the monthly £66 payment direct to consumers upon receipt, while others are reducing monthly direct debits by £66. I don’t know if Ofgem has agreed to these arrangements, but I would have thought that consistency would be the best way to avoid confusion.

One of the major companies has been retaining the £66 in error, and leaving the direct debit amounts unchanged. I gather this is because of a problem with the computer system. This situation needs to be resolved urgently. Consumers have enough to worry about without inaccurate bills. Ray Cope

Former director

Gas Consumers’ Council Langford, Bedfordshire

SIR – Our latest energy bill has indicated a 35 per cent decrease in consumption over the past year. This was on top of the previous year’s savings.

How disappointing, then, to see that the cost has risen by £140 a month during the same period. However, as pensioners, my partner and I have received £250 each for our annual winter fuel allowance, the £400 subsidy from the Government and a £150 council tax refund. The final result: little change.

The Government’s energy policies amount to giving with one hand and taking with the other. Is anyone going to sort this out?

Paul Caruana

Truro, Cornwall

SIR – Is it really necessary for the Government to spend £25million of taxpayers’ money on an information campaign telling us how to save energy?

Turning off radiators in empty rooms, switching off heating when going out, taking showers instead of baths – have we become such a hapless nation that we need to be asked to do these things?

Peter Rosie

Ringwood, Hampshire

SIR – I’ve made a point of being particularly naughty this year, in the hope that Father Christmas will bring me a sack full of coal.

Martin Bastone

East Grinstead, West Sussex