Friday 29 September 2017

Nearly 200 MPs demand energy price cap from Theresa May

Theresa May is being urged to implement an energy price cap by a cross-party group of MPs.

Nearly 80 Tory MPs and 116 Labour, SNP and Green Party members have written a letter to the Prime Minister and Energy Secretary Greg Clark demanding the move, in a bid to protect consumers on standard variable tariffs.

The call comes as Ms May had pledged to cap “rip-off” energy prices before the general election however it wasn't part of the Queen's Speech.

The letter, which comes ahead of the Conservative Party conference this weekend, states Ofgem’s plans to bring in caps for households don’t do far enough.

It adds: “While these proposals are a step in the right direction, it is clear we must do more to protect the further 15 million households who continue to be preyed on by the Big Six energy firms.

“We hope you will work with us and Ofgem to stop this Big Six stich-up and pledge to help the millions of households who Ofgem seem set to ignore.”

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) said the government is “determined to see the huge detriment suffered by loyal energy consumers addressed”.

A spokesperson added: “The Business Secretary asked Ofgem to advise on what measures it will take to safeguard consumers and while we await the regulator’s proposals, we remain prepared to legislate if necessary.”

ELN has contacted Ofgem for a statement.