David Cameron must ‘turn words into action’

The Prime Minister must “turn his words into action” about energy suppliers having to offer the lowest tariffs to their customers. That’s the view of a consumer body commenting after […]

The Prime Minister must “turn his words into action” about energy suppliers having to offer the lowest tariffs to their customers.

That’s the view of a consumer body commenting after Energy Minister John Hayes failed to confirm the Prime Minister’s proposal during a debate with Shadow Energy Secretary Caroline Flint earlier today.

The announcement by David Cameron came as a surprise to DECC and the industry, with questions about whether it would be implemented in the Energy Bill.

Richard Lloyd, Executive Director at Which? said: “The Prime Minister must stick to the promise he made in Parliament to legislate so energy companies have to give the lowest tariff to their customers. Just giving people information on the lowest tariff is not enough when trust is at an all time low in the industry and switching levels are falling. Which? has been pressing the Government for years to make sure people get a better deal so we must now see these words turned into action.”

However, an environmental group claims even if the policy is implemented, it won’t protect consumers from higher bills.

John Sauven, Executive Director at Greenpeace said: “The Government’s energy policy is now as confusing as British Gas tariffs. Even if what Cameron announced yesterday was actual policy, it would fail to protect consumers from higher bills. Until the Government reduces our reliance on gas, the cheapest tariff will still be an expensive tariff.

“The CBI said again this morning what businesses and families have been telling Osborne for months – gas is expensive and polluting and likely to drive up bills. Osborne must listen to the CBI’s latest warning that capping investment in clean energy will only mean more gas and higher bills.”

The debate follows four major energy suppliers announcement of energy price rises this winter.

Latest Podcast