Teresa Ribera voices concern over utilities conduct and calls for clearer bill disclosures
Teresa Ribera, the third vice-president of the government and Minister of Ecological Transition, criticizes utilities for not acting as transparently as they should in the current climate and urges stronger disclosure of how bills are calculated. In a recent interview with La Razón, she highlighted the ongoing concerns about the informational clarity offered to consumers and pointed to discussions already underway with the National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC).
As an example, Ribera cited advertisements from some electricity providers in which potential increases to a customer’s bill are suggested simply by asking questions on a call. She noted that such messaging can imply a direct rise in costs based on a single prompt, a tactic she views as misleading and not aligned with responsible business practices.
“This does not appear to be honest or ethically sound behavior, and yet it continues,” she remarked, stressing the need for higher standards in how firms communicate price changes to households.
Ribera questioned whether energy suppliers are engaging in practices that might be described as less than fully transparent, particularly in a period marked by high prices linked to international events and the energy market’s volatility. She emphasized that the government expects firms to maintain a high level of integrity even in challenging times.
According to the minister, there is insufficient clarity in current bills about the exact basis for charges and how they are calculated. She asserted that the CNMC will play a critical role in auditing and assessing the transparency of these bills, and she signaled that forthcoming comments on the practical implementation of government-approved regulations would be shared as part of the ongoing reform process.
Ribera also criticized certain economic actors for not supporting anti-crisis measures intended to protect consumers. She pointed to the need for a coordinated response that can cushion the impact of price spikes and maintain public trust during what she described as a difficult moment for households and businesses alike.
In her assessment, the current period is complex enough to require clear, forthright communication rather than sensational noise or attempts to manipulate public sentiment. She underscored the government’s commitments to safeguarding citizens, asserting that Spanish consumers remain among the most protected in Europe due to policy measures and supportive mechanisms implemented since the onset of the pandemic.
Ribera highlighted the role of targeted discounts, the Iberian mechanism, and strengthened social protections as key elements helping households manage utility costs. She noted that these measures have contributed to reducing the burden on vulnerable consumers, who have seen costs decline relative to pre-pandemic levels thanks to ongoing policy support and energy-sharing arrangements.