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Reforms 'will help energy customers on low incomes'

Ministers are discussing new plans to improve the affordability of energy for those on low incomes.A £2.75 billion home insulation programme is to be rolled out later this year, which will aim to lower bills in the long term through improving the energy efficiency in properties held by some of Britain's poorest families.The schedule of the three-year scheme is to be changed, in order to make more people benefit from it sooner, the Guardian reports.Changes to the winter fuel allowance, a £2 billion payment for which pensioners alone are currently eligible for, are also under discussion.The reforms could cut higher-rate taxpayers aged over-65 out of the scheme, which would then be expanded to include non-pensioners on low incomes.Windfall taxes on energy providers, however, are not likely to be introduced - with chancellor of the exchequer Alistair Darling opposed to the levy.British Gas, the UK's largest energy provider, caused controversy last week when it announced sharp rises of up to 35 per cent on its general plans.Other firms are anticipated to mirror the price rises over weeks to come.The average UK energy bill currently stands at around £1,200.

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