[From Good Law Project]
This week Shell announced its biggest ever quarterly profits and paid zero windfall tax. And yet the Government scaled back their promise to protect our rising bills for two years. We believe there must be a fairer distribution of the burden of the costs between the state, energy companies and different parts of society.
When the Government intervened with the Energy Price Guarantee, we paused our case against energy regulator, Ofgem, to wait for details of how the Government’s scheme would work. We were right to, because they changed their mind again and their two-year promise will now last only until April 2023. They have said they will be undertaking a review of available support for those most in need nearer the time.
Whilst we think it would have been better if the Government had stuck to its two-year promise, we are pleased that they will review how the most vulnerable households will be impacted. This is what we had been calling on Ofgem to do in our legal challenge.
So what happens now to our case?
We have been granted a further stay on proceedings (a temporary halt on them) from the High Court, whilst we wait to see the detail on the Government’s Price Guarantee and the further support being offered. Only when we examine the details will we know whether we should proceed with the case against Ofgem. We will keep a close eye on developments.
We are also continuing to investigate where we could use the law to tackle the unfairness of the cost-of-living crisis, working with our partners, and will keep you informed.
In the meantime, please read and share our blog series. They aim to ensure people are aware of their legal rights and entitlements during this worrying time.
- The first is on Understanding Your Energy Bill Support and Discounts
- The second is about Claiming the Welfare Benefits You Are Entitled To.
- The third is about Understanding the Rules on Energy Disconnection and Prepayment Meters
- And the fourth on What To Do If Your Supplier Takes You To Court
