§ Mr. Cormackasked the Secretary of State for Energy in which electricity board regions consumers are paying 30 per cent. extra for their electricity consumed before 1st May by virtue of the fact that increases will come into effect from meter readings taken on or after 1st May; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EadieNone. Consumers will only start using electricity at the new tariff rates as from the particular date of their first quarterly meter reading after 30th April, and for most of them bills for consumption at the increased rates will only be sent out after their next quarterly meter reading during the three months beginning 1st August.
§ Mrs. Chalkerasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will look into the price increases in white meter electricity charges due to take effect in the summer.
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§ Mr. EadieAll domestic tariffs are likely to increase by about 0.3p per unit under the fuel cost adjustment clauses being introduced on 1st May. In percentage terms, however, the increase for white meter consumers will be higher than the average for domestic consumers generally because the former pay a lower average charge per unit. Even at the increased rates the night charges under white meter tariffs will cover little more than the cost of the fuel used.