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Energy Spending and Vulnerable Households / Tooraj Jamasb and Helena Meier. Electricity Policy Research Group, 2011, 15 p. (Working Paper: EPRG1101)http://www.eprg.group.cam.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Binder1.pdfA sustainable energy policy needs to  balance between the reduction of carbon emissions and protection of  vulnerable households and avoid a widening of the existing "energy gap"  among the consumers. This study investigates energy spending for  different consumer groups, in particular focussing on vulnerable  households. Vulnerable households are more likely to be affected by fuel  poverty and have difficulties in warming their homes adequately. In  this context we explore energy spending among households on very low  incomes, including pensioners, female single parent, and benefit  recipients. We describe how energy spending of these households has  changed over time using a household panel dataset covering a period of  17 years, starting in 1991. We discuss the reasons that these households  have higher than average energy bills and the current policy context  and approaches such as the implementation of smart metres are addressed. (© EPRG)