Press release

Government responds to gas price fixing claims

13 November 2012

Commenting on Energy Secretary Ed Davey's statement in the Commons today (Tuesday 13 November 2012), on claims that energy companies are manipulating wholesale gas prices, Friends of the Earth's Head of Campaigns Andrew Pendleton said:

"Price fixing claims like these highlight the urgent need to overhaul our energy system to make it clearer, fairer and cleaner.

"Friends of the Earth raised concerns over our broken energy market a year ago and called for a public inquiry, which the Government turned down. We're reiterating that call today.

"Britain's heavy reliance on imported gas for our electricity is driving up fuel bills - and the Chancellor's reckless dash for gas will make matters worse.

"With the Energy Bill expected next week, Ministers must seize the chance to end the nation's gas dependency and open up the market to a wider range of smaller firms generating affordable and clean British energy."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. In March this year Friends of the Earth handed in a petition backed by over 30,000 people calling on the Government to hold a public inquiry into the practices of the Big Six energy firms and our broken energy market. The Government said it would take too long and would hold up Ofgem's work. Read the full response.
2. Next week the Government is expected to publish its long awaited Energy Bill. Friends of the Earth says it must include a target to green our electricity by 2030, in order to provide certainty to renewable energy investors and meet our targets to tackle climate change.
3. Friends of the Earth's Clean British Energy campaign, backed by Deborah Meaden, is urging the Government to listen to the public and transform our broken energy system by developing clean and affordable power from our wind, sun and water. For too long the Big Six energy companies have locked Britain into importing costly gas and coal - causing our fuel bills to rocket. Now 85 per cent of people want the Government to back UK renewable power instead. This, and cutting energy waste, will stabilise fuel bills and create new jobs.

To view PDF files you will need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader. Visually impaired users can get extra help with these documents from access.adobe.com.

If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust