British Gas is reportedly planning a price rise that could add £100 to the
annual gas bill.
(“Scottish Gas price rise could add £100 to fuel costs of householders”,
The Herald, September 21).
This is due to the volatile price fluctuations from foreign suppliers.
The UK has an abysmally low storage capacity of 10-15 days so is
susceptible to sudden market price rises which must then be passed on.
Last winter our gas storage reserves were nearly depleted.
Every other country in Europe has far more storage capacity than the UK.
France has more than 99 days and Germany 122 days, so they can absorb price
fluctuations more readily.
The energy suppliers approached the Government to ask for incentives to
build extra gas storage facilities so that these could react to volatile
prompt market prices and provide fuel security.
This was refused.
However, the Government is quite happy that billions of pounds are given in
subsidies – paid for by the electricity consumer – to wind-farm developers.
No secure energy source here only expensive electricity.
Politicians must surely realise that their green dream is a green nightmare
for consumers.
Clark Cross,
138 Springfield Road,
Linlithgow.
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