- Cymraeg
- English
 |
Peter Black and South Wales West Liberal DemocratsRepresenting Aberavon, Bridgend, Gower, Neath, Ogmore, Port Talbot, and Swansea |
 |
Assembly Member attacks new energy price hike
December 6, 2006 2:44 PM
The Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for South Wales West, Peter Black, has attacked the privatised utilities for their latest proposed price hike for embattled consumers.
Industry regulator Ofgen has said that it will allow the power companies to put up their prices to householders by an average of £12 next year to pay for new infrastructure.
"There always seems to be a reason why the price to the consumer has to rise," said Mr Black. "This time it seems that we all have to pay the private power companies more so that they can renew the gas pipeline and cable networks across the country. I seem to recollect that when the Tories flogged off the gas and electricity industries to their friends in the City, they argued that private companies would be able to borrow money on the open market for improvements. Instead, it seems they are taking the easy way out and rifling through our wallets and purses as usual."
"Why is it that the shareholders in these companies don't share the burden? Consumer watchdog Energywatch has said that these price rises underline concerns about companies profiteering from the near-monopolies created in the wake of privatisation; for instance Energywatch estimates that it will be at least 10 years before consumers see any benefit from the recent sale of National Grid. National Grid and its shareholders made an instant profit. It's about time for them to pay their fair share for a change"
What would you like to do next?
-
Subscribe for updates
Follow the party's activity on...
- Twitter:
- Liberal Democrats
- Facebook:
- Liberal Democrats
- YouTube:
- Liberal Democrats
-
Help out or donate
-
Tell us what you think