MP calls for energy price clarity

CARMARTHENSHIRE MP Jonathan Edwards called for greater clarity on government energy price support for manufacturing businesses during the passage of the Energy Prices Bill in Parliament last week.

Speaking in the Commons, Mr Edwards said that many manufacturing companies in Carmarthenshire had order books that extended beyond six months, and that they were therefore facing great uncertainty in being able to price their products when they didn’t have any idea what the cost of production would be following the end of current government support.

Mr Edwards said that uncertainty surrounding energy prices undermined business models and economic growth and stability.

He also called on the British Government to guarantee equivalent support for households not on the gas grid as offered with the revised six-month price cap. Mr Edwards said the £100 currently offered didn’t match the huge increases faced by households dependent on oil, LPG and wood pellets to warm their homes.

Mr Edwards said: “Considering the scale of the problems facing households and businesses and the scale of expenditure involved, it was quite incredible that the Energy Prices Bill was rushed through its House of Commons stages in only half a day.

“I know the British Government seems to be imploding at the moment, but I was also surprised at the lack of interest amongst fellow MPS in the Bill.

“The British Government needs to work out what support will be available after April as soon as possible. If they get this wrong, it could have dire economic consequences for some of the biggest employers in Carmarthenshire.

“During the debate I again called for reassurances that off gas grid households will receive equivalent support to that offered by the cap for mains gas customers.”