Congress 2008: Emergency motion E2 - The failing energy market

Congress 2008: Emergency motion

E2 The failing energy market

Congress notes that the Prime Minister, in his speech of 4 September, ruled out financial assistance for households struggling to meet their energy bills, in favour of help with home insulation. Congress believes this is an inadequate response to the current energy crisis.

Congress also notes that the 'big six' energy suppliers had profits last year of £1.635 billion, whilst the average household fuel bill has risen by 42 per cent in 2008. Congress condemns the actions of these suppliers, and the phony competition between the energy companies.

Congress further condemns the failure of the Government and Ofgem to take any action to properly regulate the energy market, and curb the excessive price rises being imposed on hard-pressed consumers. Congress considers Ofgem to be inadequate, more concerned with raiding workers' pension schemes than tackling the greedy utilities companies or standing up for consumers.

Congress believes that 'heating or eating' is not a choice which the poor and elderly should be forced to make. Congress calls upon the Government to take urgent action on rising fuel bills by levying a windfall tax on energy companies and use this revenue to provide financial assistance to the neediest households. In addition a coherent energy policy with Government rather than market control is required.

Mover: GMB

Seconder: National Union of Mineworkers