Monday 17 October 2011

Government holds crunch talks with industry

Prime Minister David Cameron and Energy Secretary Chris Huhne are holding emergency talks with energy industry heads today by way of reducing the impact on customers' bills, which have increased by more than £100 for most people since the summer.

Writing today on the moneysavingexpert website, the duo say: "We can't control volatile world energy prices. But we can still help people get their bills down. So today we are bringing together the industry, consumer groups and Ofgem for an energy summit that will focus on getting people the help they need to reduce their bills in time for this winter. The easiest ways to get energy bills down quickly are to get people paying the lowest possible tariffs and to reduce the amount of energy that is wasted."

The Government is expected to suggest changes to complex tariffs. Many, however, are sceptical the changes will be enough to really help consumers. Mike O'Connor, Chief Executive of Consumer Focus, said: "This can't be a flash in the pan- we must ensure that people see a sustained, concentrated effort to improve the energy market."

Mr Cameron and Mr Huhne remain confident real change could be enforced: "Our first priority is to provide immediate help for this winter. But we also want make the longer term changes that will help get bills down every winter."