Welsh language law 'could cost energy suppliers millions' - 06/05/2010
A proposed new Welsh language law could end up costing energy suppliers millions of pounds, it has been argued.
According to Scottish Power, the Welsh Language Measure, which would force energy suppliers to promote the native tongue, could lead to set up costs of around £1.5 million and further on-going costs of over £500,000 a year, reports the BBC.
These costs would then be passed onto consumers, who will have to contend with higher electricity and gas bills.
Scottish Power, which is due to set out its concerns at the Welsh National Assembly, said it supports the measure in principle if the standards are reasonable and would not compromise its ability to provide good value for money.
"It is possible that requirements for some of these services could be set at a level which would make the cost of provision disproportionate," the company said.
Speaking to Business Week, Ben Caldecott, head of policy at Climate Change Capital, recently predicted that utility prices are likely to rise under the next government.
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