Dirty energy could cost us £300 more a year17 October 2011
UK households could face extra costs of around £300 a year as the cost of using gas and coal to generate our electricity spirals - shows a new Friends of the Earth report.
The report says the only way to end energy bill pain in the long run is to cut energy waste and invest in clean power - like wind, waves and sun.
The findings mark the launch of Friends of the Earth's new campaign Final Demand.
Final Demand will press for affordable energy and a public inquiry into the Big Six energy companies.
Expensive gas
Household names like British gas and E.ON are planning to build new fossil fuel power plants - and abandon plans for new renewable energy.
The report says this would cost the nation up to £13bn a year extra by 2020 - with producers likely to pass the bill on to hard-pressed customers and businesses.
Friends of the Earth also warns the public is being misled by some think tanks and commentators about the real cause of bill hikes. The rocketing price of gas is to blame - not green taxes.
We are calling on all energy companies to invest massively in renewables to give consumers a better deal.
Dirty half dozen
The big energy companies have a lot to be thankful for - surging profits, bumper executive payouts and a Government that's bending over backwards to allow them to keep Britain addicted to fossil fuels.
They're making billions in profits by keeping us hooked on expensive gas - and failing to invest in clean energy.
David Cameron must urgently set up a public inquiry into the power of the Big Six energy companies - ending their stranglehold over the UK's energy system will give consumers a better deal in the long run.
Andy Atkins, Executive Director, Friends of the Earth
Final demand
Say hello to our spoof Big Six energy reps. We're sending them on to the streets to thank consumers for soaring profits - with bills now averaging £1,300 a year. You can see a video of them in action here.
Please take action and help us create affordable energy for all.
© Friends of the Earth
