Review energy prices - Lib Dems

12.23.01pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 16th Apr 2007

David Howarth, Lib Dem Energy Spokesperson, has called for an investigation into energy prices.

Mr. Howarth's call follows news that customers could be losing around £200 each year because power companies are failing to pass on cuts in wholesale energy prices.

Mr. Howarth commented:

"We need a thorough investigation of the entire energy industry. Power firms are very happy to pass on increasing costs to customers when prices rise but when they are falling consumers do not see the savings in their bills.

"The energy regulator needs to step in. A report last week showed that confusing gas and electricity tariffs are leading to higher costs for households. One third of people switching tariffs actually found themselves paying more then before they switched thanks to complex tariffs. The energy market is failing consumers."

The Government's Consumers Estate Agents and Redress Bill proposes abolishing consumer watchdog Energywatch.

Mr. Howarth added:

David Howarth MP

"This is a very worrying idea. The Government is planning on reducing protection for consumers, when they are in real need of more help not less."