Chorlton MP John Leech calls for break-up of big six Energy companies

Chorlton MP John Leech has written to the Prime Minister calling for an urgent inquiry into the UK energy markets. In the letter John Leech MP asks David Cameron to investigate how energy companies came to the decision to raise customer bills by an average of 9.1%. He has also written to Climate Change Secretary Ed Davey asking for legislation to separate wholesale from retail markets.

In the past week energy bosses have faced questioning from MP’s, and blamed price rises on increasing wholesale costs and green levies. However John argues that energy firms have too much influence over both wholesale and commercial markets.

John said,
“In 1997 there were 14 big energy companies. Now there are just 6. Why did Labour in power allow such a small number of firms came to dominate 98% of the market, allowing them to charge extortionate prices.”

He added
“According to Ofgem, wholesale costs went up by 1.7% this year whilst bills are going up by almost 10%. Labour’s promise of an artificial price freeze seems attractive but looks like it might be helping force prices up now. I want a realistic and sustainable solution to this problem.”

Save upto £250 on your Electricity and Gas Bills #gmfairenergy

GM Fair Energy: Reduce your gas and electricity payments:
Friday 25 January 2013 10am-12noon at Chorlton Library
Bring a recent gas and electricity bill
www.gmfairenergy.com
Or you can call 0800 009 3363 GM Fair Energy
========================

Manchester is joining 15 other authorities in a scheme where households are 
encouraged to join a collective group that then auctions its power supply to 
secure the best deal. Around 60% of people don’t shop around for gas and 
electricity and never switch supplier: as a result they may be on high-cost 
default tariffs. Residents who sign up have nothing to lose – there's no 
obligation to take up the new price offer - and if they do take it, the 
switch will be done by the selected provider - they needn't take any action 
themselves, so it couldn't be easier.

Manchester residents will be able to sign up during January, and the City 
Council is actively encouraging people to do so with a major campaign. The 
campaign is very important as households may see a real difference to their 
energy costs, and the more people that sign up, the lower the tariff will 
be.

Registration is either on or offline, and in other areas, quite a large 
proportion of people have signed up offline, presumably because it's harder 
for those without web access to shop around. Signing up is quick and easy - 
you just give your basic contact details and a few details from a current 
energy bill. There will be drop-in sessions at Chorlton Library on Friday 
25 January 2013 10am-12noon

www.gmfairenergy.com

#gmfairenergy

Or you can call

0800 009 3363