UK energy market needs urgent review - Howarth

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 16th Apr 2007

Commenting on the uSwitch.com survey showing that cuts in wholesale energy prices are not being passed on to consumers, Liberal Democrat Energy Spokesperson, David Howarth MP said: "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 seem less keen to pass on cuts.

"The energy regulator must intervene. 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 than before. The energy companies are failing consumers."

Commenting on government plans to abolish Energywatch, Mr Howarth added:

"This is a very worrying proposal. The Government is planning to reduce protection for consumers when they are in real need of more help not less."

ENDS

Applicability: this item refers to England and Wales. Due to devolution, detailed policy may be different in other areas of the UK.