Sarah Edwards MP calls for parliamentary debate on business energy practices.

The Secretary of State hinted in reply to Sarah Edwards MP at the Business and Trade Select Committee that Businesses’ concerns about prohibitively high energy prices would be reflected in the industrial strategy - which is yet to be published. UK Businesses pay on average 60% more than their EU competitors. 

At Business and Trade Select Committee, Secretary of State for Business and Trade said: 

“I am obsessed with industrial energy prices. 

Going on to add 

“While obviously I am not going to announce what may or may not be in the Industrial Strategy, but if you are asking what of I think some of the most prohibitive pressures on British industry and British investment are I would absolutely cite our outlying position on energy prices.” 

Sarah Edwards MP then went on to present to the Backbench Business Committee calling for a debate on the behaviour of energy firms towards small and medium sized companies and the high cost of Energy and their billing practices. 

Speaking at the Backbench Business Committee; Sarah told the story of a proud owner of a local cafe, which has stood in her Tamworth constituency for decades. Her energy supplier had billed her incorrectly and disregarded all of her attempts to set the record straight until Sarah intervened. But this is not a unique case. John Cooper MP, Member of Parliament for Dumfries and Galloway joined Sarah in presenting the case as he had a similar case in his constituency. 

Sarah Edwards MP said 

“How many businesses and jobs have been lost due to the behaviour of energy companies. 

“Incorrect billing and maladministration are rife within the energy sector. Government must stand by our beloved small and independent businesses, and demonstrate that no firm is too large to be above the law or common standards of decency. 

“If you are a business owner with your own tale of being punished for the incompetence or malfeasance of your energy supplier, I am eager to hear from you.” 

Sarah has already been pushing for a joint evidence session between the Business and Trade Committee and the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee to identify proposals to hold negligent energy companies properly accountable.

With Ofgem reporting last week ten energy suppliers had paid out more than £7 million in compensation related to overcharging customers. Incorrect billing and maladministration are rife within the energy sector, but with the average award by the Energy Ombudsman for Small Business customers being less than £200, it is clear that the system is not working. 

She has launched a call for evidence to demonstrate the enormous scale of this problem to her colleagues in Parliament. People can complete the survey at: https://www.sarahedwards.org.uk/businessenergysurvey