Dire situation

WITHIN six weeks, when my contract is up for renewal, my monthly energy bill could increase by up to £200 a month for a three-year fixed-term contract.

How am I supposed to fund that? Eat more simply and cheaply; buy thermal underwear; turn down the heating; and use my savings.

For people on a state pension, the situation is dire. How can energy companies assume we will be able to pay huge increases?

LEWIS HERLITZ, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex.

MY ENERGY supplier has informed me my fixed-rate contract of £189 per month will expire shortly. It’s offered a new two-year fixed contract of £517 per month. I only wish it was having a laugh.

GLENNIS EDMONDS, Fleet, Hants.

SORTING out a new electric contract, I’ve been surprised at the standing charge. My old rate was 27p a day while the new deal is 48p. If I don’t take the deal and am put on the variable rate, it goes up to 75p a day.

I contacted Ofgem, the energy regulator, but was told it deals only with the price cap.Why isn’t the standing charge a set rate?

C. BLEZARD, Kendal, Cumbria.