Latest Press Releases
| MORAY MP WELCOMES OFGEM NEWS ON ENERGY INVESTIGATION |
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| Wednesday, 24 August 2011 00:00 |
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ENERGY PRICES HITTING MORAY FAMILIES HARD Moray’s MP Angus Robertson has welcomed the news that the energy regulator Ofgem is to expand it’s investigation into energy pricing to include how the big energy suppliers calculate their profits. Ofgem has appointed a specialist team of forensic accountants. Figures produced by the Scottish Government show that up 170,000 more Scots would be pushed into fuel poverty if recent fuel price increases are replicated across all suppliers. SNP Finance Secretary John Swinney has already met with Ofgem to voice the Government's concerns, especially the impact on vulnerable customers. The Scottish Government has also supported Ofgem's intention to simplify complex tariffs in order to allow consumers to easily compare prices. In Westminster the SNP has also been leading the debate on fuel poverty and have been pushing for better regulation of the heating oil market, which is so important to Scotland’s rural communities. The SNP’s Mr Robertson said: “ We welcomed the start of the investigation by Ofgem, which we had long argued for and which was long overdue. The expansion of that investigation into looking at the profits of the big energy companies is also now very welcome. “ In parts of Moray we can see some of the lowest temperatures of the winter in Scotland and the impact of soaring energy prices can be severe. “ For the sick and the elderly being unable to heat your home can be a matter of life and death, which is absolutely outrageous in the 21st century. " It is disgraceful that in energy rich Scotland people should be facing fuel poverty. Vulnerable households should not be forced to choose between staying warm and buying essential food and clothing. " Recent increases could see an average of £190 a year added to the dual fuel bill of an average customer - more than many can afford. " The impact is not just felt by households but also by businesses suffering form hikes in their own bills while the public have less and less disposable income. “ The situation is unsustainable and the sooner Ofgem can report and action can be taken the better.” |
