Fears that older people won't stay warm this winter16 December 2011
Two-thirds of us fear our older friends and relatives won't be able to stay warm this winter - because they can't afford the rising cost of fuel.
A new Friends of the Earth survey suggests rocketing energy bills are causing a large proportion (66%) of people to worry about elderly people they know.
For millions up and down the country this Christmas will be blighted by worry about energy bills and fears for older relatives.
Andy Atkins, Executive Director, Friends of the Earth
Rising costs
The survey follows fresh evidence that the rising price of gas - not green energy initiatives as some have claimed - is the main cause of mounting energy bills.
The Government's Committee on Climate Change has recommended massive investment in energy saving to protect consumers from rising bills.
Energy company greed
Almost half those answering our survey blamed energy company greed for the doubling of power bills since 2004. This adds to pressure on the Government to get tough on the Big Six energy firms.
We're calling for a public inquiry into the influence of the Big Six and the UK's energy system.
We need the Government to help stop our homes leaking heat and to get tough on the big energy companies profiting from our broken energy system.
Andy Atkins, Executive Director, Friends of the Earth
What you can do
Please join nearly 20,000 people who've signed our Final Demand petition to David Cameron. It demands action on the Big Six energy firms.
Read why we need a green energy revolution to stabilise energy bills in the long run.
© hweiling
