Energy firms line up on cap
MAJOR energy providers are setting their charges just below the new price cap, analysis suggests.
Ofgem set a £1137 a year cap for a typical dual fuel customer paying by direct debit, which came into force on January 1.
Bulb said the average standard variable tariffs for British Gas, EDF, E.ON, Npower, Scottish Power and SSE was £4 below the price cap. BY ADAM ASPINALL A KIND-HEARTED Lotto winner who scooped £13.5million has revealed he still enjoys caravan holidays, hands out a fortune to charities and lends out his luxury cars for school proms.
Humble Peter Congdon, 71, told how his family went from working at McDonald’s to driving Range Rovers after his 2015 win.
But before splashing the cash on luxuries, they enjoyed a holiday at their old favourite, Butlins.
Peter said: “We went to Butlins, that was pre-booked. We had gone there for the last 30-odd years.
“They (his family) said if it’s good enough for a millionaire, it’s good enough for the rest of them. They took quite a few bookings afterwards.
“We’ve got two static caravans up there for us to use, or friends if they want to go up there.”
Peter was living on a council estate in Truro, Cornwall, at the time of his win.
He has since moved but still remains close to the community and contributes hugely to local charities.
He said: “I couldn’t believe it then and I still can’t really believe it now.
“I used to go into shops and think it would be nice to have this and that, but now I can have what I want.”
The former councillor was a popular figure on the Trelander estate.
He lived there with his late wife, Rosemary, and raised three children, Helen, Sharon and Anthony.
Although Rosemary never got to enjoy the family’s wealth, all three of their children are now mortgage free – as will be their 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Peter didn’t immediately splash out on himself after the win.
Instead, he wanted to do something for the Merlin MS Centre, a centre for people suffering from MS, strokes, Parkinson’s and ME, where his wife was cared for.
He paid for a £1million hydrotherapy pool, which is due to open in February.
The building will be painted primrose, with the flowers planted outside, as they were Rosemary’s favourite.
Although Peter has now moved to a bigger house on the town’s plush Nampara Way, he still lives a simple life and is still part of his old community.
He added: “I still own the house on Trelander and would go back in a shot – I loved living there.”
He praised lottery operators Camelot for the services they offer winners. Holding winning balls CHEER With customary giant cheque
Jackpot won by Peter Congdon in May 2015. He donated £1million for a hydrotherapy pool