Welsh Electricity Users Pay More than those in England

CONSUMERS in Wales are paying up to 18% more for electricity than customers in England.

One supplier is demanding almost a fifth more from Welsh householders and businesses.  Others have sent out bills which are 11% to 15% more expensive in Wales than England.

The payment gulf last night led to calls for an inquiry.  The news comes in a climate where the average annual bill has already risen in Wales by an inflation-busting £178 within four years.

Plaid Cymru AM Dai Lloyd called on the fuel regulator Ofgem to investigate what he described as an “iniquitous policy”.

He stated, “News of the charging disparity between England and Wales is likely to anger Welsh customers who have already seen their average bills rise from £246 in 2003 to £424 by 2007.

“In South Wales, SSE (Scottish and Southern Energy) are charging customers £395 compared to only £333 for SSE customers in the east of England – a difference of 18%.

“The inconsistencies continue with npower customers in South Wales paying 12% more than npower customers in the east Midlands. Scottish Power customers in North Wales pay 15% more for their electricity than consumers in the south east of England. These are just some of the worst offenders.”

www.scottish-southern.co.uk