Energy Prices: Bucking the Trend - but Why?

The Event - 11 March 2009

Inevitably, the question is increasingly being asked – are the energy suppliers playing fair with their customers?

In recent weeks, as the recession continues to bite, virtually all major clothing and food chains have been slashing prices. Even the cost of petrol, on the back of the plunging oil price, is now falling. Yet, electricity and gas prices remain stubbornly high. And, unlike petrol retailers, energy suppliers - whose profits remain buoyant - cannot claim that heavy taxation prevents big cuts. Furthermore, price comparisons with other major EU nations, such as France, are hardly reassuring for domestic consumers.

Chaired by Eddie Hyams, Chairman of the USG and the Energy Saving trust, two keynote speakers will consider these questions. Alistair Phillips-Davies, Energy Supply Director, Scottish and Southern Energy, will address these issue from an industry perspective. In fact, Scottish and Southern Energy’s retail tariffs are amongst the lowest in the UK, something that is partly attributable to its substantial hydro output. But will they fall and what is the outlook for retail prices given the uncertainty about future gas supplies? Alistair will be supported by a contribution from Rhys Stanwix, Head of Energy Strategy at Southern & Scottish Energy.

Putting the case for energy consumers will be Derek Lickorish, Chairman of the Fuel Poverty Action Group and former Chief Operating Officer, Customers Branch, at EdF Energy. He will examine why energy price cuts seem so elusive and whether the energy suppliers are giving their customers a fair deal. He will also consider whether there should be a fundamental review of the UK energy sector by the Competition Commission and the risks of going down this route

The Venue

Join us at from 4.30pm for a 5pm start on Wednesday 11 March at the Simmons & Simmons Lecture Theatre, City Point, One Ropemaker Street,London EC2Y 9SS(nearest Underground Moorgate). Finish around 6.30pm followed by drinks and canapes.

We are grateful to Simmons & Simmons for hosting this event.