I am very happy to co-sponsor the introduction of these two vital Bills. As families and small businesses struggle with the relentless cost-of-living crisis the Government continues to act as a mere commentator while energy companies line their pockets. The standing charges Bill addresses the enduring scandal of unregulated standing charges. It is unacceptable that energy companies have free rein to hike these charges by hundreds of euro without any oversight. That is hundreds of euro a year before a single light is switched on. That is a massive cost baked into every family’s budget. Our Bill would require companies to justify these charges to the CRU and they would have to prove any increase related to their fixed costs rather than their profit margin. The Bill gives the energy regulator – the CRU – teeth it so desperately needs to hold energy companies to account.

Sentiment score: -0.01