Committee to hear evidence from energy companies on fuel poverty in Wales

The National Assembly’s Sustainability Committee will this week hear from energywatch Wales and energy companies about fuel poverty.

The Committee is deeply concerned as to the impact of increasing fuel prices on Welsh customers and on efforts to tackle fuel poverty. It is particularly keen to hear about the energywatch research findings on electricity prices in Wales. Fuel poverty arises when three factors - poorly insulated energy inefficient dwellings with sub-optimal heating systems, low disposable household income and the price of fuel - conspire to put thermal comfort beyond the reach of the household affected.

Centrica, Scottish Southern Energy, E-on, Scottish Power, RWE n-power and EDF Energy – the main companies providing energy to Welsh customers – will also be giving evidence at the meeting.

The meeting takes place at 1pm on Thursday April 10 in Committee Room 3, Senedd. More details can be found here.

Mick Bates AM, Chair of the Committee, said : ”Fuel poverty and the impact of increasing fuel prices mean that there are many people cold this winter. I am looking forward to hearing the energywatch research findings in this area, and I am very pleased that the energy companies have agreed to give evidence.”

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