Rising energy bills and the practices of the ‘Big Six' energy companies came under the spotlight today in a Westminster Hall debate hosted by Brighton's Green MP.

The debate (1) follows the launch earlier this month of ‘End the Big Six Energy Fix' campaign, a coalition of politicians, public figures, NGOs and academics calling for a levy on the huge profits being amassed by the energy companies  - and for a public enquiry into the Big Six (2).

Caroline Lucas, MP for Brighton Pavilion, said:

"The billion pound profits of the Big Six energy companies are a slap in the face for the 5.5 million British households struggling in fuel poverty, and for all those in my constituency who are finding it ever more difficult to meet the rising cost of their bills.

"Energy is a vital public utility which we all need to live our lives, and it simply isn't fair that consumers are being forced to pay more while the Big 6 continue to profiteer.

"A recent IPPR report also that found as many as 5.6 million people may be being overcharged as a result of pricing policies by the Big 6 which, they believe, prevent new companies from gaining a foothold in the market.

"Now the Government has a responsibility to act end the Big 6 energy rip off, starting with a new windfall levy on energy company profits - with the revenue going straight into measures to improve the efficiency of people's homes.

"We also need to see OFGEM taking a far stronger role in regulating this out-of-control industry, including by re-introducing a cap on prices to prevent energy companies from unfairly passing the cost of any levy on to their customers."

ENDS

Notes

1) You can read more about the debate in Caroline's PoliticsHome article today

2) The End the Big Six Energy Fix campaign was launched in the Independent on 10 February - Caroline wrote this comment piece for the paper