Campaigners warn electricity bills could rise as new tariffs come into force
Alliance against Energy Poverty reminds vulnerable households they are protected by law from having supply cut off
Campaigners have warned that the new electricity tariffs in force across Catalonia and Spain from June 1 could lead to higher bills in the months ahead.
The Alliance against Energy Poverty (APE) says that the new system will be "revolutionary in many respects" but at the same time advises that there will be uncertainty during the initial bedding-in period.
Josep Babot, a member of the organization, says they are particularly concerned about the impact on vulnerable families, who could end up having "even more" difficulty paying bills.
He is therefore keen to reassure people in financial difficulty and remind them of their legal rights. "They must keep in mind that in Catalonia, Law 24/2015 protects them from cuts in the event of non-payment."
Babot advises people having difficulty paying bills to contact Social Services or their local council who will advise them of the steps they need to take.
New electricity tariffs
From Tuesday, June 1, electricity prices will vary according to when power is consumed. There are three rates.
The highest rate will apply Monday to Friday from 10am to 2pm and from 6pm to 10pm.
The middle rate will apply Monday to Friday from 8am to 10am, from 2pm to 6pm and from 10pm to midnight.
The cheapest rate will apply throughout the day on Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays, and up until 8am Monday to Friday.
Babbot says that APE is predicting that the first bills following the changes "will be higher," with monthly increases of two or three euro for someone "doing very well." The figure could be "much higher" for consumers using electricity mainly during peak times.
However, he says that we will have to wait to see what the real impact will be, and hopes that in the medium term the wholesale market price will fall and energy bills can come down.