ENERGY PRICES

That this House notes with concern the decision taken by Npower to increase prices by 12.7 per cent. for its electricity customers and 17.2 per cent. for its gas customers from 5th January 2008; further notes that other energy companies will increase prices, with EDF Energy already announcing increases of 7.9 per cent. in electricity prices and 12.9 per cent. in gas prices this week; recognises that such increases hit those on low incomes and fixed incomes hardest; and calls on the Government to work with the Regulator Ofgem and the Competition Commission to ensure that energy prices are set at a fair level and that energy companies set their prices separately from one another with no collusion or agreement between companies over pricing policy.