Eluned secures backing for EU ban on disconnecting vulnerable

19th June 2008

WITH Welsh families feeling the pinch as energy prices reach new highs, a Welsh Euro-MP has secured backing for European action to ensure a better deal for energy users.

Among the measures Labour MEP Eluned Morgan has secured European Parliament support for is a Europe-wide ban on disconnecting the elderly and disabled during winter.

MEPs voted for Eluned Morgan's package of measures to reform the EU's electricity market by more than two to one. The package includes:

• Making it even easier for consumers to switch suppliers - the new EU regulations would cut the process in the UK from six to two weeks.
• Installing so-called SmartMeters in all homes within ten years - making it easier for consumers to monitor and control their consumption, encouraging energy efficiency and potentially reducing bills.
• Ensuring details of complaints procedures are on all bills - and compelling companies to settle complaints within three months.
• Tackling energy poverty - putting it on the EU agenda for the very first time.

Eluned Morgan's package also includes plans to break-up Europe's big energy monoliths to encourage more competition. This move has been met with strong opposition from governments in Paris and Berlin, home to the continent's energy giants, setting the Welsh MEP at the centre of a major clash between the European Parliament and EU national governments.

ELUNED MORGAN, Labour's European energy spokesperson, said:

"There cannot be anyone in Wales or the EU who has not noticed the massive increase in energy prices in recent months. All over the EU there are people struggling to pay their electricity bills and it is essential that we do all we can to ease this situation.

"At a time of high energy prices, consumers must be confident that they are getting the best possible deal. That's why we must make it even easier for people to monitor their energy use, obtain pricing information or switch supplier. It's also why it is essential that consumer rights are protected by EU law.

"These reforms are designed to put energy consumers firmly back in the driving seat - delivering a fair deal for energy users, protecting the most vulnerable, and ensuring we can keep the lights on in Europe. "

The European Commission and Council must now consider the proposals before the issue returns to the European Parliament.

Notes

• Eluned Morgan is MEP for Wales, Labour's European spokesperson on energy and a member of the European Parliament's Industry, Research and Energy Committee.