Commenting on the news today that Centrica has announced profits of around a £1billion, a day after raising gas prices by a record 35%, Shadow Environment Minister Darren Millar AM said:
“Centrica bosses need to stop and think long and hard about what they are doing.
“Raising gas prices by 35% is going to plunge millions of people, already struggling with rising prices, into fuel poverty.
“Many will question how Centrica can justify these massive price hikes when they are making almost £1bn in profit.
“Hundreds of elderly people in Wales die every year because they cannot afford to heat their homes. Many more vulnerable families face tough decisions about whether to heat or eat.
“These monumental price rises will put even more under extreme financial pressure.
“The Assembly Government cannot stand back from this problem any more.
“Given that energy prices in Wales are higher than anywhere else in the UK, money needs to be found to increase annual winter fuel payments and the Assembly Government should look at how it can supplement this support this winter.”