Chief Minister Allan Bell told the House of Keys this morning that consumers will pay no more than an extra ?25 annually as a result of the increase in the standing charge by Manx Gas.

Mr Bell said Manx Gas had indicated that some customers will pay more and some a lot less.

Responding to a question from Onchan MHK Peter Karran, he said no action would be taken and that the OFT was monitoring the situation.

Kate Beecroft said that as the standing order was to cover infrastructure costs, what costs had Manx Gas incurred to justify the charge?

Mr Bell replied: 'I don't have that information to hand. I'm sure the OFT will circulate a reply to that.'

He added that the government would 'move quickly' if the terms of the agreement between Manx Gas, the OFT and the government were breached.


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