Reacting to Government proposals due to be unveiled today (Tuesday 20 November 2012) to ensure all households are on the cheapest gas and electricity tariffs available, Friends of the Earth’s Head of Policy and Campaigns Andrew Pendleton said:

“Action to simplify energy tariffs is certainly welcome, but if David Cameron really wants to cut bills the thing he should regulate is his gas-guzzling Chancellor.

“If George Osborne’s plans for more gas-fired power stations go ahead they will lock the nation into dirty and increasingly expensive fossil fuels for decades.

“To create a long-lasting solution to soaring fuel bills, and tackle climate change, we need to invest in a massive energy saving programme and develop the UK’s huge clean energy potential from the wind, waves and sun.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. Friends of the Earth’s Clean British Energy campaign, backed by Deborah Meaden, is urging the Government to listen to the public and transform our broken energy system by developing clean and affordable power from our wind, sun and water. For too long the Big Six energy companies have locked Britain into importing costly gas and coal – causing our fuel bills to rocket. Now 85 per cent of people want the Government to back UK renewable power instead. This, and cutting energy waste, will stabilise fuel bills and create new jobs.