Energy firms 'should pass profits on to struggling consumers'

Monday, November 16th 2009

The current state of the economy means that energy firms should do more to invest their profits in helping those struggling with their fuel bills, it has been suggested.

According to Family Action chief executive Helen Dent, energy providers should particularly concentrate on aiding those using prepayment meters.

The comments came after British Gas's parent company, Centrica, announced that wholesale prices - the costs that energy firms pay before selling fuel to retail customers - will see significant increases over the next two years.

Firms such as British Gas and Scottish & Southern Energy have also reported large profits in the last week, with the former recording £541 million in operating profits.

"The injustice that the poor pay more continues to demand action from government and those providing a range of goods and services," Ms Dent commented.

According to the Fuel Poverty Advisory Group, there were more than four million fuel-poor households in England in September last year.