Energy prices in Wales are “out of control” according to Shadow Welsh Secretary Owen Smith after he obtained figures showing that average bills across the whole of Wales are increasing by a rate of over £100 a year. 

The figures also reveal that South Wales is the region in Britain with the highest combined gas and electricity bills and North Wales is the third highest, and that’s before the latest price increases announced by the big energy companies take effect. Commenting, Shadow Welsh Secretary Owen Smith said:   “These new figures show that energy prices in Wales are increasing at a rate of knots with over £100 added to gas and electricity bills every year. “David Cameron has no answer to these spiralling energy costs which are a real problem for Welsh households and which are set to get even worse. In contrast, under Labour’s plans to tackle soaring energy costs, over a million homes in Wales would see their bills frozen.   “We need immediate action to tackle the cost of living crisis. That’s why a Labour Government will put living standards as our number one priority. We’ll start by taking on the rip-off energy companies and freezing energy bills.” 

• The table below analyses data released to Owen Smith by Business Minister Michael Fallon. The response to Mr Smith’s Parliamentary Question is available here:http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmhansrd/cm131023/text/131023w0002.htm#131023w0002.htm_spnew20
• The increase in average combined gas and electricity bills from 2010-2012 is £208 in South Wales and £206 in Merseyside and North Wales.  
• At £1,310, South Wales has the highest average combined gas and electricity bills in Britain. At £1,298, Merseyside and North Wales has the third highest.