SNP SUPPORT FURTHER CALLS FOR INVESTIGATION INTO ENERGY PRICES

SNP Energy Spokesperson Mike Weir MP today (Saturday) supported the call by Energywatch to open an investigation by the Competition Commission into energy prices.

Mr Weir who has previously called for such an investigation commented:

"There are clear grounds for an investigation into how the major energy companies are operating. In every price rise one pops above the parapet and a respectful time later the rest duly follow suit, claiming market conditions, wholesale prices and the old worn out excuses.

"It is noticeable, however, that Scottish and Southern Energy have announced that they will not follow suit and will hold their prices meantime. It is unlikely they are not subject to the same pressures as other companies, yet they are able to hold steady.

"Surely this is a clear indication that there was no immediate need for all the others to rush to hit hard pressed consumers. It could just be the major companies wanted to slip this out as all the other bad economic news was swirling around.

"Questions also need to be asked about the operation of the energy market throughout the EU. This has a serious implication since many of the major companies are owned by major European energy companies."