Sussex politician joins campaign to cut energy bills (From The Argus)

Sussex politician joins campaign to cut energy bills

8:07am Monday 13th February 2012 in News

Politicians have joined campaigners and civil leaders in a bid to cut energy firms’ profits.

Residents have been hit in the pocket as gas and electricity prices continue to rise during the economic downturn.

Figures also show tens of thousands of people in Sussex are classified as living in fuel poverty.

More than 100 leading figures have backed a campaign launched by think tank Compass calling on the Government to End the Big Six Energy Fix.

This would see a new levy introduced on the profits of the major energy firms, which includes EDF, E.On, British Gas and Scottish and Southern.

It also wants to see the regulator have new powers to cap prices and eliminate “excess profit”, while establishing a public inquiry into the industry.

It comes after the regulator Ofgem revealed in October that energy suppliers had increased their profit margins by 733%, from £15 to £125 per household.

Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas, who has backed the campaign, said: “It is outrageous that the Big Six energy giants are able to rake in eye-watering profits as people are forced to choose between heating their homes and feeding their families.

“These companies are delivering a crucial public service, and it is now the Government’s responsibility to hold them to account for failing to provide anything close to a fair deal for consumers.”

To sign the petition visit www.endthebigsixenergyfix.org.uk.

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