EU powers energy consumer votes

5th July 2007

ENERGY users across Wales can look forward to a better deal after the EU today unveiled plans for a new charter of rights for consumers.

Wales Euro-MP Eluned Morgan, Labour's European spokesperson on energy, first proposed introducing the charter to protect the rights of consumers in the EU's newly liberalised energy market.

The European Energy Consumers' Charter is designed to tackle increasing levels of energy poverty and protect the most vulnerable members of society, particularly during the winter months.

The proposed Charter will include:

- Schemes to help the most vulnerable deal with increased energy prices

- Improving information available to people to help them choose and switch between energy suppliers

- Reducing paperwork when consumers change supplier

- Protecting consumers from unfair selling practices

ELUNED MORGAN said:

"With rising energy costs hitting people across Wales and Europe, energy poverty is a serious and growing problem, particularly during the winter months. Indeed, it claims many thousands of lives each year in Europe.

"Through liberalising energy markets and enshrining the right to switch energy provider, the EU has already made significant progress in ensuring a better deal for consumers and protecting our most vulnerable citizens, but we must go even further.

"In the UK over 300,000 customers switch their energy supplier each month and about 17% a year, this compares favourably with France where only 1% of consumers switch each year. In Germany where the energy prices are relatively high just 5% of customers switch.

"This charter will go a long way to ensuring that it is far easier for EU consumers to switch energy providers and access the best deals available."

The European Commission will now consult with consumer representatives, energy regulators, EU member states and the gas and electricity industry, with a view to signing the Charter in December 2007.

Notes

1. From 1st July all consumers in Europe became able to switch energy suppliers after EU rules on the opening the gas and electricity markets came into force.

2. Eluned Morgan is MEP for Wales, Labour's European spokesperson on Energy and rapporteur on the EU strategy for sustainable, competitive and secure energy.