Arlene McCarthy, who is steering the Charter through the European Parliament, said: "We want to ensure that the core element of the EU's proposal for a Charter on the rights of Energy Consumers is to give consumers a fair deal. Many rights exist in different pieces of EU legislation, but many consumers are simply not aware of them."
Arlene McCarthy said "At a time when consumers are facing the impact of soaring energy bills it is vital that we do everything we can to enable consumers to take control of their energy consumption. Putting the consumer in control and ensuring they are aware of the cost of energy they use will help them cut their energy consumption - which cuts their bills and cuts our CO2 emissions."
Responding to reports of the Commission backtracking on their commitment to the Charter Arlene McCarthy said: "we do not want a watered down 'checklist' as the Commission are now suggesting. We want to set out clear and comprehensive rights for the consumer that are enforceable by the regulator, and include proper redress."
Arlene McCarthy added "These rights should be promoted to the consumer and be displayed in prominent and relevant public places, such as library's, Citizens' Advice Bureaux and supermarkets, so that people are fully aware of the rights they have. As we create an internal market in energy across Europe we need to inform and protect consumers as energy users, whoever their supplier is."
Arlene McCarthy said "The relevance of this charter was demonstrated by a letter I received from a constituent running a local community organisation. They had received a bill for 7,530.37 Pounds for energy consumed over 5 years. Despite regular meter readings being taken they had not received a bill since December 2003. Calls by the consumer to try and deal with this problem have gone unanswered. A clear and comprehensive Charter of energy rights is absolutely necessary."/ -ENDS-
NOTE TO EDITORS:
Debate: Tuesday 17th June
Vote: Thursday 19th June
10 key Rights contained in the Charter:
1) A well publicised Charter of rights in clear language, brought to the attention of all consumers and complied with by companies and backed up by National Regulators
2) The right to regular, accurate billing, smart meters and price comparison information
3) The right to switch supplier quickly (within 1 month), easily and for free
4) The right to transparent and comparable contracts, pre-contractual information and invoices and with National Regulators providing a single point of contact for information
5) The right to full and unbiased information about the energy sources available, including renewables, and their environmental impact
6) The right to have high standards of customer service with quality control monitoring
7) The right to have complaints dealt with promptly and effectively and to take complaints to an ombudsman and the obligation on suppliers to provide consumers with alternative dispute resolution mechanisms
8) Equal rights for all consumers regardless of their payment method e.g. an end to excessive charges for those using pre-payment meters
9) The right to a universal service, measures that address poverty, and protection from disconnection
10) The right to fair treatment and freedom from aggressive sales techniques or misleading advertising by energy companies
The facts:
- A UK study shows that between 20 and 32% of people switching energy supplier after 2000 actually switched for worse contracts.
- Consumers with pre-payment meters pay £220 more each year than those on an internet advertised rate
- 1/3rd of bills are based on inaccurate estimates.
- The most advanced 'smart meters' can be installed for as little as £50 per household, covering both gas and electricity supplies.
In January this year all six big UK energy suppliers announced significant price rises:
Scottish and Southern Energy: 14.2% electricity / 15.8% gas
Npower: 12.7% electricity / 17.2%. gas
EDF: 7.9% electricity / 12.9% gas.
British Gas: 15% gas and electricity
Scottish Power 15% gas / 14% electricity
E.On: 15% gas 9.7% electricity
For more information For further information please contact Suzanne Richards in Arlene's office on 0161 909 5107 or 07811 175617 or call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053.
European Parliamentary Labour Party, European Parliament, Rue Wiertz, 1047 BRUSSELS, Belgium
