Oaten Slams Big Energy Hikes

Following today’s announcement by EDF that it will be raising gas prices by 22% and electricity prices by 17% for domestic customers Mark Oaten has criticised the crippling increases and reiterated his call for more effective regulation.

With other “Big 6” energy companies expected to follow suit shortly and the Government seemingly unable to provide adequate protection and support to customers there is an urgent need to help people who are struggling under the pressure of price rises across the board.

Mark Oaten has taken the issue to parliament with the tabling of EDM 1625 on Oil & Gas regulation and has been feeding his constituents concerns into the Business & Enterprise Select Committees review of energy markets. His survey on the cost of living is still available to fill out online at: http://www.libertyresearch.org.uk/take/401

Mark Oaten commented:

“Just when we think it has got as bad as it can get we hear of another price hike. This is hurting people and I don’t see how these constant price rises are sustainable.

“Working on the energy inquiry has allowed me to look at this issue and see that there are solutions and it’s about time the Government listened and took some of these small steps that could make a big difference to people who are really feeling the pinch.

Martin Tod, Lib Dem candidate for Winchester added:

“At a time when we already have steep rises in food prices and council tax this is the last thing people need. And for it to come at a time when world energy prices are falling is even more shocking.

“This is partly a result of the Government dragging their feet over renewable energies and it is now essential to provide effective and targeted relief to those most in need, particularly the elderly who might have to choose between being warm or eating this winter if things continue as they are.