91Èȱ¬

The number of Welsh households living in fuel poverty - that is, when ten per cent or more of one's income is spent on gas, electricity or oil bills - has doubled in recent years.

And recent above-inflation price hikes by the energy companies are adding to the misery for many, as tonight's 'Eye on Wales' programme discovers.

The Welsh Assembly Government has pledged to combat fuel poverty within ten years, but some believe this is an unrealistic target, when fuel bills keep rising inexorably.

Schemes like 91Èȱ¬ Energy Efficiency Service (HEES) - run by the Assembly - have helped, but the scheme's proved so popular that it's run out of money this year, and there are fears that many of those who have benefited from it already aren't necessarily the neediest households. New research will begin soon to identify which households are most vulnerable to fuel poverty, and how best to help them.

Calls for a social tariff for fuel bills are being backed by Assembly minister Jane Davidson. Meanwhile, consumer watchdog Energy Watch is calling for an inquiry by the Competition Commission into the 'big six' energy providers - are they profiting at the expense of poorest consumers?