§ Mr. HarveyTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the average price for a kilowatt hour of electricity in each of the organisations for Economic Co-operation and Development countries; and if he will make a statement. [13738]
§ Mr. PageThe information requested is given in the table and relates to the annual average prices for 1994. Data for all countries include any duties or taxes payable which are non-recoverable.
pence per kWh Industrial electricity Domestic electricity Austria 4.68 10.79 Belgium 3.84 11.44 Canada 2.47 3.90 Denmark 4.10 11.70 Finland 3.38 5.72 France 3.45 9.75 Germany 5.98 11.57 Ireland 3.97 8.00 Italy 6.11 10.27 Japan 11.25 16.19 Luxembourg n/a 8.32 Mexico 2.73 4.49 Netherlands 3.71 7.48 New Zealand 2.34 4.36 Norway n/a 4.36 Portugal 7.54 10.60 Spain 5.20 11.31 Sweden 2.41 5.53 Switzerland 6.89 8.52 Turkey 5.01 4.94 United Kingdom 4.42 8.00 United States 3.06 5.46 Note:
Data for Australia and Greece are not available.
Source:
International Energy Agency.
Electricity prices for both industrial and domestic consumers in the UK have fallen, in real terms, by 10 and 7 per cent. respectively since privatisation of the electricity supply industry. The above table show that United Kingdom prices are among the lowest in the industrialised world and are generally lower than our main European competitors. Further reductions in UK prices during 1996 are likely to improve the UK's position even more.
16W
§ Mr. HarveyTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the average price for a kilowatt hour of electricity charged to consumers in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [13739]
§ Mr. PageIn 1995, the average standard tariff charge for a kilowatt hour of electricity in the United Kingdom was 7.3p. Domestic customers also pay a quarterly standing charge. In 1995, the average standing charge in the UK was £10.39. The standard tariff and standing charge quoted do not include VAT.
In 1995, the average price paid by industrial electricity consumers per kilowatt hour was about 4.5p.
Domestic electricity prices in the UK have fallen, in real terms, since 1990. The average price of electricity is now 7 per cent. lower, in real terms excluding VAT, than it was before privatisation. Domestic consumers will benefit from further reductions during 1996. The National Grid rebate, tightened distribution price controls and a reduction in the fossil fuel levy, mean that average domestic electricity bills in 1996 should be around one fifth lower, in 1995 prices, than in 1995.
Since privatisation, industrial electricity prices have fallen by 10 per cent. in real terms. Industrial electricity prices are now at their lowest level, in real terms, than at any time since records began in 1970. Reduction in distribution charges and the fossil fuel levy will also benefit industrial customers during 1996.