WEIR DEMANDS INVESTIGATION INTO ENERGY MARKET
Following an announcement today (Friday) by British Gas owner Centrica to increase gas and electricity bills by 15%, SNP Westminster Energy Spokesperson, Mike Weir MP, has restated calls for an investigation into the energy market.
British Gas is the third energy supplier to increase prices this year. Earlier this week EDF upped rates by at least 8%, and two weeks ago Npower, raised prices by up to 17%.
Mr Weir said:
“Another day, and another energy company joins the rush to put up prices. Can there now be any doubt that an urgent investigation into the energy market is required. We now have three of the biggest companies following each other with swinging rises in prices.
“The much vaunted competition in the UK energy market is largely an illusion. Ofgem cannot continue to bury their heads in the sand. These rises are hitting consumers hard, especially those on low incomes and pre-payment meters. At the same time energy companies are making massive profits.
“Ofgem, and the UK government, must show some consideration for consumers as well as the shareholders of the companies.”