23 June 2009
Energy providers which choose to invest in their networks should not expect their customers to pay for the additional costs, it has been said.
Companies do not have a blank cheque at their disposal when it comes to putting up money for investment, said Audrey Gallacher, Energy Expert at Consumer Focus, stressing that consumers should not be the ones paying either.
"It is critical that energy companies quickly pass on wholesale price falls to consumers to help keep bills down," she suggested.
This, Ms Gallacher emphasised, would help improve the energy efficiency of households across the country.
Shareholders should be expected to pay their fair share of the costs of making changes to the energy networks, the expert added.
The price comparison site revealed this month that the average household energy bill today is £1,243 a year - 114% higher than the 2004 average of £580.