AM joins call for investigation into UK energy suppliers

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 21st May 2008

The Welsh Liberal Democrat Social Justice spokesperson, Peter Black has joined with those calling for the Competition Commission to investigate the energy market in the UK.

Speaking after energy watchdog Energywatch had pointed out that in its view prices in the UK are about 33% higher than they would be under a truly competitive system, Mr. Black said:

"Energy prices in this country are largely through long-term deals made by the six companies which dominate the market. In Wales, where our incomes are already below the UK average, the price of energy is a vital contributor to the overall cost of living for poorer families and those on fixed incomes. That is why Welsh consumers need the reassurance that would be provided by a properly organised Competition Commission investigation into the UK energy market.

"We already know that power bills have gone up by 40% in the last three years, and that the power companies are promising us that they'll go up a further 25% this year. They always claim that it's the price they have to pay on the open market that is to blame. If Energywatch are right, then there would appear to be much more to it than that. A full investigation by the Competition Commission looks like the only way to get to the bottom of this issue."