David Cameron writes for MSE on his plans to help on energy bills

magyar

Johnegg wrote: »

The Renewable Energy Foundation have said that in Oct-Sep 2010, the Uk wind fleet generated at less than 24% of its stated capacity. In December 2010, there was even less wind. Manufacturers try to conceal the figures, but all wind turbines require power for mainaining their systems, which is why they have batteries (rechargeable from the grid) to power them. The point stands, when there is no wind, turbines have to be powered off the grid.

They don't have batteries. It's just import power, and it's not 'concealed', it's just so small it's not really relevant.

And by the way, 2010 was one of the lowest wind years for 40 years. Conversely 2008 was a very high wind year: REF tend not to mention that...

Johnegg wrote: »

And what is the good of removing CO2? Only a handful of activists and loonies believe it's even necessary. The green religion has been on the slide for quite a while, but it unfortunately prospers in government, and we have to pay for its follies, through an outrageous tax on our energy bills.

Well, that and the majority of scientists, of course. To be honest, it's not the time or place for a debate on whether climate change is happening. It is government policy to reduce CO2 (in line with most governments in the world) and therefore Ofgem is just following government policy in this respect.

andrea_louise

Once upon a time, Mr Camerons rivals, the labour party introduced a social tariff, provided by all of the major energy suppliers (on a voluntary basis) for those in fuel poverty. Spending over 20% of their income, on heating costs. Or that was the criteria of SSE when I joined the energy plus care tariff, 2 years ago. The conservatives decided that everything the labour party did was "bad" for the country so ditched it. Now, my fuel costs have increased from £85 a month to £120. (yes, high I know, but being disabled and having an inflammatory arthritis, the pain associated with being cold just really is not tolerable). Mr Camerons alternative is providing you meet a strict criteria, £120 credit on the electricity bill!!! Sounds like a tesco quote, eVERY LITTLE HELPS!

2010

This so-called summit with Cameron, the big 6, Ofgem was little more than public window dressing the upshot being the boss of BG said afterwards that prices will go UP. :mad:

We knew the government can`t control the bankers, now it seems they can`t control the energy sharks.

sbradnam

Really, really disappointing.

Prices have just gone up....so they wont put them up this winter....er....hello!! Let's insult the consumers intelligence a bit more shall we?

Political spin and hype....poor poor effort Cameron. As far as the Energy companies are concerned, profit is King....consumers just feed the profit frenzy

I will not hold my breath for anything positive. £1300 a year and rising......

:mad::mad::mad::mad:

magyar

sbradnam wrote: »

I will not hold my breath for anything positive. £1300 a year and rising......

Still cheapest in Europe.

sbradnam

magyar wrote: »

Still cheapest in Europe.

Even if that is true, it doesn't make it right though.

magyar

sbradnam wrote: »

Even if that is true, it doesn't make it right though.

What I mean is, that everyone talks about 'collusion between the energy companies' - really, so EVERY energy company in Europe is colluding?

Also, people talk about nationalisation as a way to solve the problem, well France is effectively nationalised and they pay more than us.

People talk about renewables as the problem, but Sweden and Luxembourg are investing very little in renewables and they pay more than us.

I keep saying that no-one wants to face up to two unfortunate truths:

1) we are not ripped off for our energy, and
2) energy prices are going to continue to go up, not down and we should deal with that - not keep whining about bills.

Totality

sbradnam wrote: »

Even if that is true, it doesn't make it right though.

Agreed.

SO we're cheaper for gas and electric than Europe. Great. Are we cheaper for petrol and other essential monthly outgoings?

magyar

Totality wrote: »

Agreed.

SO we're cheaper for gas and electric than Europe. Great. Are we cheaper for petrol and other essential monthly outgoings?

Possibly not - what's the point here? The thread is about energy bills. Or do you expect energy companies to subsidise your weekly shop at Tesco?

Totality

magyar wrote: »

Possibly not - what's the point here? The thread is about energy bills. Or do you expect energy companies to subsidise your weekly shop at Tesco?

My point is that the fact we're cheaper than other countries for gas and electric won't be of interest to the majority. We're still paying a fortune.