Energy Secretary Chris Huhne is once again threatening to get tough with energy firms, accusing the ‘Big Six’ of “predatory pricing”, something which he says, must stop.
At the Liberal Democrat conference in Birmingham earlier today, Mr Huhne yet again pledged his commitment to help households tackle skyrocketing energy bills by bringing costs down. Promising to “get tough” with the six major energy providers, Mr Huhne said the Government wanted to make it easier for people to switch utility companies, and if necessary claim back money if they behave in an inappropriate manner.
Accusing the ‘Big Six’ of “predatory pricing”, he wants energy companies to stop the practise of luring new customers with cheap deals; deals which are paid for by subjecting millions of their customers with higher bills.
“It’s not fair that big energy companies can push their prices up for the vast majority of their consumers – who do not switch – while introducing cut-throat offers for new customers that stop small firms entering the market,” he said.
“That looks to me like predatory pricing,” added Mr Huhne. “It must and will stop.”
The Energy Secretary reinforced his intentions to make the coalition the greenest Government ever by using its Green Deal – set to be introduced in autumn 2012 – to stimulate jobs and help households fight ever-increasing energy bills. According to Mr Huhne, the Government’s flagship initiative will lead to households being better off by 2020.
But actions, as they say, speak louder than words. Only time will tell if Mr Huhne has the courage to do something productive to stop energy providers from bleeding consumers dry. He may be able to talk-the-talk, but can he walk-the-walk?
