Paying for new gas plants we don't need14 March 2012
Our household bills could soar because energy companies are planning to build gas-fired power stations we don't even need.
Energy firms want to build nearly twice as many of the gas-fired power stations the Government says the UK may need - reveal new findings by Friends of the Earth.
The move is likely to mean yet more misery for UK households as rising gas prices drive up energy bills.
The findings show that the Big Six energy firms are responsible for almost 60% of the new gas plants planned.
Friends of the Earth is calling on the Government to save households from future price hikes by forcing a switch to clean British power - and slashing energy waste.
People are fed up of the energy rip-off. An overwhelming majority want the Government to force the big energy firms to invest in power from our wind, waves and sun.
Paul Steedman, Energy Campaigner, Friends of the Earth
Dirty and expensive gas
Gas prices have soared over the last decade, pushing up our bills.
Friends of the Earth has released a report on the global factors affecting UK gas prices. It shows why increasing global demand means the price of gas is likely to keep rising.
And there's worse news for the climate. The Big Six's dependency on gas will make it nearly impossible to meet our climate change targets.
We're calling for a ban on more dirty gas plants - unless the Government introduces tougher limits on the carbon pollution they generate.
Public support renewable
86% of people support an independent public inquiry into the Big Six - says a YouGov survey for Friends of the Earth and Compass.
And 70% want the Government to force the big energy companies to invest in power from wind, sun, waves and tides.
Take action
Please join them by adding your name to our petition for affordable, clean British energy.
Help us reach 50,000 calls for clean energy. Thank you.
© susanvg
