Welsh gas and electricity bills have fallen through letter boxes with an added bump recently - as energy price hikes mean the average household has forked out an extra £111 since January.

But spiralling energy costs, which have seen an overall additional £2.82 billion added to UK bills, could soon be curbed by new EU measures.

Speaking at the Dragon LNG terminal in Waterston last week, MEP Eluned Morgan, Labour's Euro spokesman on energy, said EU moves to complete the European energy market could lower prices for Welsh consumers and industry.

Eluned Morgan said: "People across Wales have been badly affected by rising energy costs, but now Europe can provide an answer.

"By ensuring a complete European energy market and a common EU energy policy we can pool our bargaining power, increase competitiveness, ensure a regular supply flow and in doing so, lower costs."

The EU has already put the laws in place to enable countries to buy their electricity and gas from any supplier in the EU.

Now, the European Commission's new energy green paper proposes to make a complete European market - and lower prices - a reality.

The £184m Milford Haven LNG terminal, due to open next year, will supply the UK with 45 billion cubic metres of gas over a 15-year period.

Eluned added: "With imminent closures of coal and nuclear power stations, our reliance on gas is set to increase, and as north sea stores are depleting, much of this gas will need to be imported.

"In turning off its supply to the Ukraine earlier this year, Russia proved it is willing to use its gas supply as a political tool.

"The LNG terminals are crucial to ensuring an alternative supply of gas for Wales and the rest of the UK; keeping prices stable and making sure the heating stays on."

Eluned also quizzed company bosses on local concerns regarding the safety of the terminal.