The energy regulator Ofgem is to examine claims that people in Wales pay more for their electricity than customers elsewhere in the UK, the Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing announced.

With rising energy prices pushing more people into fuel poverty Jane Davidson had asked Ofgem to investigate evidence that people in Wales are paying more for their electricity than other parts of the UK.

Ms Davidson told a conference organised by gas and electricity consumer watchdog energywatch that she had written to Ofgem Chair Sir John Mogg asking him to investigate.

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"Sir John Mogg has now written to me to confirm that he will ensure that the watchdog's review of energy markets will examine differences between different parts of the UK," said Ms Davidson.

"At a time when more people are at risk of fuel poverty due to rising prices it is important that Ofgem looks at regional price differences to ensure that Welsh consumers are charged the same as other parts of the UK.

"The evidence produced by energywatch indicates that consumers in Wales are paying more for their electricity than elsewhere."

Ms Davidson and Welsh Secretary Paul Murphy both wrote to the Ofgem chair to take up the issue.

The latest figures for 2006 estimated that 243,000 households may be in fuel poverty.

"A household is in fuel poverty if, in order to maintain a satisfactory heating regime, it would be required to spend more than 10% of its income on all household fuel use.

"Tackling fuel poverty is one of my top priorities and I am committed to helping those who can least afford to pay their home heating bills to cope with the rising costs," added Ms Davidson.

(CD/JM)