The Liberal Democrats have called on the UK Government and the energy regulator Ofgem to ban Russian oil and gas company Gazprom from supplying energy to UK businesses.
The company is licensed by the energy regulator Ofgem to supply gas and electricity to UK businesses – including schools, hospitals and local authorities.
Liberal Democrats peer Jonny Oates today asked Government ministers in the House of Lords if they are planning to rescind Gazprom’s supply licence and to place the Gazprom supplier into “special administration”, in effect nationalising the company.
This process was used to protect the customers of Bulb Energy, when the company collapsed last year.
Liberal Democrats have also called for a Windfall Tax on oil and gas companies, including Gazprom’s trading arm, which issued a £179 million dividend following the spike in gas prices. This tax would then be used to support vulnerable people and businesses struggling with rising prices.
Liberal Democrat leader, Ed Davey said: “Our hospitals, schools and councils could be inadvertently helping expand Putin’s war chest if they’re locked into a long-term contract with Gazprom.
“Liberal Democrats are calling on the government and Ofgem to end Gazprom’s ability to supply UK businesses while protecting them from price shocks by taking it into special administration.”