Profits blamed for energy prices

Half of us believe that rising energy bills are down to power companies wanting large profits, a survey suggested today.

The poll conducted for Friends of the Earth revealed that 50% of the 1,000 people questioned thought the main reason for bills almost doubling since 2004 was power companies' desire for profits, while 37% thought it was down to rising gas prices.

Just one in 12 people questioned earlier this month believed that the rise was down to investment in energy efficiency and renewables, despite claims that "green policies" are driving up bills.

Nine out of 10 people backed Friends of the Earth's call for a public inquiry into the Big Six energy companies in the face of claims that power firms had overcharged customers by not passing on savings when the price of gas fluctuated.

Andy Atkins, executive director of Friends of the Earth, said: "The Government is cosying up to the energy companies instead of calling time on the big energy market stitch-up.

"The Big Six are making billions by keeping the UK hooked on expensive imported fuels instead of setting us on a path to affordable, clean British energy."

PA