Aberconwy MP Robin Millar has welcomed the announcement from energy regulator Ofgem that it is launching into a review into standing charges for gas and electricity. Standing charges are the fixed daily fees for gas and electricity connections and they are added to bills regardless of how much, or how little, energy is consumed.
Welcoming the review, Robin said:
“Standing charges have almost doubled since 2021 and they are subject to a postcode lottery with amounts being charged varying significantly depending on where you live. Here in North Wales, we pay the highest standing charges in the UK. Whilst an average household in London is paying £276 a year, an average household here is paying £362.
Continuing, Robin said:
“In June, I launched my Common Sense Energy Supply Contracts campaign in Parliament to support businesses in our vital local hospitality sector. Standing charges are an important part of this campaign and I have raised them in my meetings with Ministers. I have been deeply concerned about the behaviour of some brokers and electricity suppliers during this energy crisis and I will continue to take my constituents concerns directly to the heart of government.”
Concluding, Robin said:
“I am pleased that Ofgem has launched this review and that they have promised swift action. We could get the results of the review within weeks.”