Energy customers should not be seen as cash cows, to be “squeezed” in the pursuit of a higher return for shareholders, a Government minister will say later today.
Energy Secretary Ed Davey will tell Energy UK’s annual conference that trust between firms and customers was breaking down, amid continued controversy over soaring bills.
Power companies have to make profits so they could invest in energy infrastructure, secure supplies and develop more energy efficient technologies, as well as create jobs, he will tell the London conference, adding: “But those profits cannot come at the expense of the elderly, the vulnerable, and the poorest in our society. Customers are not just cash cows to be squeezed in the pursuit of a higher return for shareholders.
“Trust between those who supply energy and those who use it is breaking down. It is so difficult for people to work out what exactly they are paying for that they fear the big energy companies are taking them for a ride when bills go up.
“Fair or not, they look at the big suppliers and they see a reflection of the greed that consumed the banks. So this is a ’fred the shred’ moment for the industry. You deliver an essential public service, so your industry must serve the public – and the public must have trust in what you do.”
The minister will say the Government is looking at how it could reduce the impact of its policies on bills.
“But our commitment must be matched by a commitment in industry to open up your books and set out exactly how you are bearing down on your own costs to make bills as low as possible.
“The industry must be much more transparent and Ofgem will have our full support to introduce whatever regulations are necessary to deliver that greater transparency.”
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