Energy Bills

Debbie Abrahams Excerpts

Monday 2nd December 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr Davey]

I am afraid that the hon. Lady is mixing up two things. Today, following our detailed review of Government policy costs, we can announce that on average households will see their bills fall by £50, which she ought to welcome. Our policy for the big six and other energy companies is to have fierce, robust competition. One of the best ways to ensure that energy bills come down is to enable people in the retail markets to switch and to ensure that the big six face real competition in the generating market. It is competition that will push bills down in the long term.

[Debbie Abrahams (Oldham East and Saddleworth) (Lab)]

My hon. Friend the Member for Bristol East (Kerry McCarthy) is absolutely right. The profits of the big six energy companies rose by 75% last year, while average household costs increased by £100, yet the £50 cut in fuel bills will come at no cost to the energy companies. Why are the Government not prepared to stand up to these big companies?

[Mr Davey]

I am never quite sure where the Labour party stands on profit. One of its number said in 2009:

“The energy companies need to make sufficient profits in order to invest in the future”.

That was the Leader of the Opposition when he was doing my job.