GAS AND ELECTRICITY DISCONNECTIONS UP 146 PER CENT

 

SNP Energy spokesperson, Mike Weir MP, has demanded immediate action from the UK Government after it emerged that the number of customers disconnected by their energy providers because they have fallen behind with payments has soared by 146 per cent.

 

Mr Weir also warned that the figures, revealed in a parliamentary question, did not take account of the hikes in energy costs earlier this year by leading energy providers, or the prospect of further price increases expected in the autumn.

 

Campaigning in the Glasgow East by-election, Mr Weir said:

 

“These figures are simply appalling, and warn of a growing crisis for vulnerable customers as energy prices soar.

 

“What is particularly troubling is that this does not even take account of the massive hike in energy prices earlier this year, or indeed of the anticipated increase expected in the autumn.

 

“An increase in disconnections on this scale should have alarm bells ringing, yet Westminster’s response has been wholly inadequate.

 

“People are struggling to understand why, at a time when the Treasury is receiving record windfalls from North Sea Oil, and energy companies are recording record profits, vulnerable customers are being left behind.

 

"With fuel poverty amid energy plenty the energy market clearly is not working for the consumer, and there is now an overwhelming case for an investigation into how the major energy market is operating.

 

“Voters in Glasgow East have the opportunity to kick the UK Government into touch over soaring energy costs.”