One of the country's largest energy suppliers has applied for permission to use biomass as a fuel at its Tilbury power station.
The government should encourage the development of sustainable sources of cheap energy from domestic supplies, it has been suggested.
Energy and climate secretary Chris Huhne has confirmed a new scheme designed to encourage people to access cheap energy bills through improving the eco-friendliness of their homes.
The recent price increase announcement from Scottish and Southern Energy could be the first of a tide of rate rises from energy suppliers, putting further pressure on consumers, a claim suggests.
Consumers are still in a position to be able to benefit from the use of cheap energy, despite the announcement of a gas price rise.