Energy price action needed, says expert

The government needs to reduce the impact of potential increases in energy costs, an industry figure has claimed.

Maria Wardrobe, director of communications at National Energy Action, believes that the government’s plans to cut emission costs could lead to consumers facing higher bills as the industry seeks to recover related expenses.

In particular, there are concerns that the targets due to be published in the forthcoming Renewable Energy Strategy could push more people into debt and facing fuel poverty.

Ms Wardrobe explained that investment is needed because customers are likely to suffer as costs are passed on to them.

“We are calling on government to protect the most vulnerable and help mitigate the effects of high energy prices by introducing a mandatory social tariff,” she said.

According to Greenpeace, the government’s aim to reduce emissions by 34 per cent could cost the industry around £100 billion – pushing up average fuel bills by £230.

By Suzi Richards