Council leader calls for action over rising energy bills
8:00am Sunday 21st October 2012 in News
Council Leader Steve Reed
The council leader has called on the Government and Ofgem to take action over rising gas and electricity bills.
Councillor Steve Reed has set out measures that include bringing an end to the poorest in society paying higher energy tariffs than the rich.
Coun Reed said: “Energy bills have risen so much that millions of people are facing an impossible choice between heating their homes and putting food on the table.
“I believe the big energy companies’ price increases are completely unnecessary and unfair.”
His other proposed measures involve scrapping energy exit fees for switching accounts and introducing an annual cap on rising prices.
He also called for cuts to interest rates on Green Deal loans and for more support for energy cooperatives to offer alternative to large energy companies.
On Friday Ofgem published plans to make suppliers tell customers about the cheapest tariff on offer.
The move came after Prime Minister David Cameron announced plans to force energy companies to give consumers the lowest tariffs.
Ofgem proposals include simplifying tariff structures and providing consumers with information to help them find the best deal across the market.
Chief Executive of Ofgem, Alistair Buchanan, said: “Our plans will put an end to consumers being confused by complex tariffs and will usher in a simpler, clearer, fairer and more competitive energy market for all consumers.”
