Rising Energy Prices – Time for action? August 26, 2008
Posted by andrewmcd in energy.Tags: bio-energy, clean-energy, energy, energy-prices, Green Energy, UK Energy Suppliers
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Energy Windfall Tax?
The incredible energy price rises announced recently by many major UK suppliers has led to calls from some MPs for an energy windfall tax. The government is said to be considering all options, and although windfall tax is a possibility, Gordon Brown’s preffered option is thought to be the enforcement of a Carbon Emissions Levy.
Action on energy required
The consensus view is that as the government has to do something. A gesture to appease consumers is required. There is a great deal of resentment building as people becoming increasingly enraged at the rise in their energy bills – whilst the profits of these companies go through the roof. The percieved lack of fairness is the issue here. Most customers have no problem with these companies making a profit – they are businesses after all – it is the vulgarity of the pay rewards to chief executives and the like that really upsets the general public.
Explaining Energy
There is a great possibility of a huge rise in unpaid bills. Energy is a difficult sector, as most people take their household power for granted. There is very little appreciation that producing this energy actually requires a huge technological infrastructure. Perhaps, instead of promoting meaningless offers that deliver little benefit to consumers and giving huge payouts to themselves, it would be far more preferable if these companies began investing in educational campaigns. These could explain exactly where and how household energy is generated, the procedures involved – even outline the difficulties that can occur. In the process, this may give a greater insight into why prices have had to rise so significantly and perhaps soften public opinion a little.
