Malcolm Moss MP calls for enquiry into power price hike

Malcolm Moss, MP for North East Cambridgeshire has this week signed EDM 700 on Energy Prices to express his concern at the sharp increase in the price of gas and electricity. 

EDF Energy has announced it is putting up its electricity prices by 7.9% and gas prices by 12.9%.  This comes in the wake of the decision by Npower to increase its prices by 12.7%.  EDM 700 calls for the Government to now work with the Regulator Ofgem and the Competition Commission to ensure energy prices are fair, the suppliers are not colluding and the consumer has a choice of companies that are competing over price and service.

On signing EDM 700 Malcolm Moss MP said; “Britain has one of the most competitive energy markets in Europe and I hope that the Government, Ofgem and the Competition Commission are committed to keeping it that way.  Consumers must know that there is a choice and should be prepared to switch.  The suppliers must fight for business and not just accept their share of the market.  If other energy companies follow Npower and EDF Energy the consumer will quite literally be left out in the cold!”

The Conservatives have already expressed alarm at the effects the price hike could have on the elderly and those on low incomes.  EDM 700 reinforces these concerns.  Malcolm Moss MP said “the Government will have to review and perhaps extend the current mechanisms which guarantee some of the most vulnerable people in society have warm homes”.  Mr Moss urges anyone who is struggling to stay warm to call the Home Heat helpline on 0800 33 66 99 or Eaga benefit entitlement check on 0191 247 3800 to ensure they are receiving the right amount of help.

EDF Energy is a major supplier of gas and electricity to homes in North East Cambridgeshire.  On Christmas day 700 EDF customers in North East Cambridgeshire were affected by power cuts and in Guyhirn 145 homes suffered an entire Christmas day without power.  This was the 27^th power cut this year for many of the homes.  Mr Moss said “this must have been a truly awful Christmas for these families and EDF Energy must improve their service.  Although the rises in price reflect the rise in the wholesale cost of energy and higher distribution costs the consumer will rightly expect more from their supplier.  Energy should not be a luxury but as the prices continue to rise people will expect an efficient and effective service, I have made representation to EDF Energy on behalf of the constituents that have suffered from power cuts and have made it clear that they should be doing more and doing it better”.

So far 27 MP’s have signed EDM 700 on Energy Prices and it is hoped that more will sign up in a bid to guarantee the energy market remains fair and competitive.  Since signing the EDM British Gas have raised their prices by 15%, making it seem even more likely that others will follow, Malcolm Moss MP said “the customer must be king and I hope that EDM 700 will remind the energy companies and consumers of this, over the last year we have seen supermarkets matching prices and frankly ripping off customers, the energy companies must not be allowed to take the same route and their higher costs must be a reason and not an excuse for the increased bills”.