should I go fixed price?

mech_2

1carminestocky wrote: »

Can I just get this absolutely correct as I know you are a stickler for facts. :rolleyes: Are you STATING CATEGORICALLY that Philip Wright, Professor of Energy Policy & Economics at Sheffield University, is 'sponsored' by the Venezuelan oil industry, implying he receives money from them? This is what you stated this morning. Just so we can get this absolutely correct. Thank you.

Not specifically. On further reading it becomes clear that the OIES is the beneficiary of many large oil companies from all over the world. It's just the fact that senior research fellows from the Institute later turn up as bigwigs at PDVSA that stands out like a sore thumb. The point is that it's a strongly political organisation which repeatedly uses rhetoric to discredit the liberalisation of energy markets. To be honest I don't care about this issue one way or the other, but the aim of Professor Wright's writings on the UK energy industry are just to point out flaws in the status quo. It doesn't matter to him how small the flaws are so long as the free market looks bad. Nowhere does he say "domestic gas prices in late 2008 should be 50% lower", or even 40% or 30% because this is just infeasible.

Incidentally The OIES website currently has a commentary entitled "Politicians and prices – the itch to intervene" which concludes that EU politicians should not attempt to force down energy prices. They are not interested in the consumer, only their oil cartel backers.

PS Why would I wish to intimidate you? I just think it's good manners to tell someone what I am going to do if it may potentially impact on them at a later date, i.e. it won't be a surprise.

I take it from this diversionary silliness that you have nothing substansive to bring to the discussion then?

mech_2

iamesbo wrote: »

"1.19. Any assessment of suppliers’ aggregate profitability is fraught with difficulties,
given the complexities that result from vertical integration, hedging and the recent
volatility in wholesale energy prices."

So it's difficult. Not impossible. And they do not say they cannot come to a conclusion.

Thankyou for verifying what I thought.

Cardew

iamesbo wrote: »

"In short the 'watchdog' OFGEM is a complete failure, however I would prefer the expression 'criminally negligent' (at best).

Given that you advocate that Energy Company bosses "should be jailed", MPs should get a "bullet in the back of the head" it is rather a pity that you haven't laid down a suitable punishment for the criminally negligent Ofgem employees.

How about public flogging or stoning to death? - perhaps both?

iamesbo

Cardew wrote: »

Given that you advocate that Energy Company bosses "should be jailed", MPs should get a "bullet in the back of the head" it is rather a pity that you haven't laid down a suitable punishment for the criminally negligent Ofgem employees.

How about public flogging or stoning to death? - perhaps both?

Both would be the best solution.

iamesbo

mech wrote: »

So it's difficult. Not impossible. And they do not say they cannot come to a conclusion.

Thankyou for verifying what I thought.

They do not say that they can effectively regulate the gas companies, so what are they
being paid for?

They are a failed regulator.