Government to meet ‘Big Six’ in energy summit

Government, regulators, industry and other figures will come together in the special energy summit, which is set to call for cheaper bills and making it easier for customers to switch to better deals.

In a statement released on price comparison site moneysavingexpert.com both prime minister, David Cameron, and energy secretary, Chris Huhne, explain the reasons behind the summit.

The pair write: “We can’t control volatile world energy prices, but we can still help people get their bills down.

“So today we are bringing together the industry, consumer groups and Ofgem for an energy summit that will focus on getting people the help they need to reduce their bills in time for this winter.

“The easiest ways to get energy bills down quickly are to get people paying the lowest possible tariffs and to reduce the amount of energy that is wasted.”

Speaking ahead of the meeting RWE npower chief executive, Volker Beckers, announced his business would freeze the prices for all customers on standard residential tariffs and end doorstep selling.

He said: “I am very aware that there have been significant increases in the cost of living.

“It’s a global phenomenon affecting food prices, fuel prices and other household costs including energy prices.

“There are many fixed price deals around currently but most charge a premium or have exit fees, unlike our commitment for this winter. For those who want protection for two winters we have a new fixed tariff available at the same price as our standard tariff.”

Which? executive director, Richard Lloyd, who will also attend the meeting said: “This is an opportunity for the energy suppliers to show they understand how angry people are about rapidly rising prices and bad customer service.

“It is also an opportunity for the prime minister to show a real commitment to reforming the energy market so that fuel is affordable for all consumers.”

Luke Walsh