EDF ANNOUNCE INFLATION BUSTING HIKE

 

WEIR DEMANDS ACTION ON ROCKETING PRICES

 

Following news that EDF have become the second energy supplier to announce inflation busting gas and electricity price rises, SNP Westminster Energy Spokesperson, Mike Weir MP, has restated his calls on Ofgem to step in and protect vulnerable customers from rocketing prices.

 

Earlier this month Npower announced a similar price hike of 17.2% for gas and 12.7% for electricity.

 

Mr Weir said:

 

“First Npower announced soaring price hikes, now it is EDF. Does anyone seriously doubt that the rest of the major energy companies will follow suit? As always it is those on low incomes who will suffer the worst.

 

“In the face of rocketing prices, it is unacceptable and unsustainable for Ofgem to stand idly by. This clearly shows that the so called free market in energy within the UK is not working in the interests of consumers.

 

“It is about time Ofgem showed some guts. There is now an overwhelming case for the energy market to be investigated by the Competition Commission. If they are not prepared to do so then the UK government must act and force action. It is simply unacceptable that their only response is for the chancellor to request a meeting with Ofgem’s chairman.”