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Carmarthenshire Liberal Democrats
Energy companies should do more to reduce prices says Assembly Member
February 9, 2009 12:00 AM
Originally published by Welsh Liberal Democrats
Originally published by Welsh Liberal Democrats
The Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for South Wales, West Peter Black has called on energy companies to do more to reduce their prices and help hard-hit consumers.
Mr. Black was speaking in the light of a ten percent cut by British Gas in their gas prices although they left electricity prices untouched. However this compares poorly with British Gas's last increase of 35%, or the total increase it made of about 50% last year.
Mr. Black said:
"It is no good waiting for the gas companies to reduce their standard rate charges. The recent 10% cut by British Gas just brings their standard prices closer to those charged by their competitors.
"Other suppliers like npower have ignored the British Gas move. Swalec in Wales will be reducing gas prices by 4% and electricity by 9% depending on usage. These tiny reductions will come into operation on 1st April when the winter weather should be safely over.
"It is no wonder that the companies get accused of being reluctant to compete on their standard rates, seeing as that is the rate that the majority of us are paying. However, the companies all offer other rates depending on usage, and it is here that there are good savings to be made.
"People in our region are going to have to look after themselves. The companies will not. The best way is to go to one of the independent energy switching websites and see about switching to a cheaper rate."