Energy policy, energy prices, and the dominance of the big six energy companies have dominated the political landscape over the last two years, and have moved up to the top of the political agenda since Ed Miliband’s speech to the Labour Party Conference in September 2013. In that speech, Ed pledged: “That a Labour Government would freeze electricity and gas prices for 20 months, allowing time to reform the energy market, in order to reintroduce competition, restore trust, and set up a new, tougher energy watchdog”.
Bridgwater and West Somerset Parliamentary candidate Cllr Mick Lerry said: “News that SSE will freeze energy prices until 2016, proves the argument that Labour’s Energy Policy is credible and appropriate, if the energy market is going to be reformed to the advantage of consumers rather than the Big Six. Obviously this recent news will be welcomed by SSE customers, now we need the other large energy companies to follow SSE’s example”.
Cllr Mick Lerry went on to say: “Labour’s price freeze and energy market reforms, and why they are not only good for consumers, but good also for investment in low carbon energy, good for businesses and good for green jobs”.
Price freezes and greater investor certainty
Julie Elliott MP, member of the Shadow DECC team said: “Labour’s energy price freeze and market reforms are not impediments to investment in low carbon technologies – they are absolutely crucial to generating that investment. By rebuilding trust in the market and providing greater investor certainty, the price freeze and market reforms will support investment. What any investor needs isn’t short-term returns based on overcharging, but long-term certainty on returns. That is why we are committed to a 2030 power sector decarbonisation target, supported by the Committee on Climate Change, which the industry has been calling for. We will also stick with the system of contracts for difference, which guarantees investors a return on their investment”.
Cllr Mick Lerry said: “the Labour Group on Sedgemoor District Council have persuaded the Council to develop a policy to invest money in the local economy. To support social enterprises and co-operatives in renewable energy and energy efficiency programmes, to help bring down the price of energy for residents in Bridgwater and Sedgemoor District. By trying to obtain funding from Government during the Construction stage of Hinkley C. Such a policy could also apply to West Somerset Council as part of Community Benefit during the construction of the power station”.
Ed Davey, Secretary of State for DECC, has announced a review of the Big six energy companies today by OFGEM, because of pressure from Labour.
Cllr Mick Lerry-Leader of the Labour Group on Sedgemoor District Council
Labour Parliamentary Candidate for Bridgwater and West Somerset
Mobile: 07775905080
Email: michael.lerry@btinternet.com