Local Candidate Slams Energy Charges
January 9, 2009
Energy companies have been slammed by Plaid Cymru’s parliamentary candidate for Cynon Valley, Dr Dafydd Trystan Davies, for driving people into fuel poverty.
He said it was scandalous that gas and electricity bills in the UK had gone up twice as much as the European Union average over the last year – 30 per cent as compared to 15 per cent.
And he said it was appalling that people using meters had to pay more than those who pay by other means.
Dr Davies said: “I am very pleased that Plaid Cymru is taking steps to help tackle the problem of fuel poverty by launching a new campaign Warming Wales: On Your Side this Winter.
“The average Welsh family is paying £517 more for gas and £236 more for electricity than they were five years ago.
“Many people in the Cynon Valley are struggling to make ends meet and are facing some tough decisions this winter – either to go into debt or cut back on other necessities, such as food, to be able to heat their homes properly.
“Age Concern has estimated that more than 1,500 people will die in Wales this winter because of inadequate heating, and this is an intolerable situation.
“It is high time the UK Government levied a windfall tax on the profits of the energy companies and used the money to help with people’s gas and electricity bills.
“I would also urge the Government to follow the lead of the energy regulator Ofgem and tell the energy companies to stop charging higher rates on prepaid meter customers, which is, in effect, an extra charge on their most vulnerable customers.”
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