Public backs calls for energy inquiry - 20/02/2012

The vast majority of people want an inquiry into the operations of the Big Six group of energy suppliers, a new survey has revealed.

Research by Friends of the Earth and pressure group Compass found 86 per cent of respondents want an independent investigation into how Scottish Power, British Gas, EDF, E.ON, npower and SSE operate.

A further 71 per cent would like to see a levy placed on the companies' profits and over three quarters (77 per cent) said the money raised should be used to help households in fuel poverty and improve energy efficiency.

Friends of the Earth executive director Andy Atkins called for "tough action" to be taken on the issue of "cold homes, rip-off bills and the Big Six's influence over our politicians".

"The Big Six energy firms are making massive profits from keeping us hooked on dirty coal and expensive imported gas," he argued.

Compass general secretary Gavin Hayes added introducing a levy would help balance out the substantial profits that have been recorded by Big Six companies.

Pressure is mounting on the firms to do more to help customers who struggle to keep their homes warm and the pressure group recently launched its End the Big Six Fix campaign, which is backed by the Independent, to lobby on the matter.

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