Commenting on the 23 per cent increase in profits announced today (Thursday 26 July 2012) by the residential arm of British Gas Friends of the Earth’s Energy Campaigner Guy Shrubsole said:

“Centrica’s huge profits have been announced just a day after the beleaguered Chancellor awarded the gas industry a £500 million bonus.

“While many consumers struggle with their bills the Big Six are continuing to rake in massive profits by keeping the country hooked on dirty and expensive gas.

“Our best chance of affordable bills is to cut energy waste and switch to clean British energy from the wind, sun, and waves.”

ENDS

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% of the public would back new Government legislation to make power companies generate more of our electricity from home-grown renewable energy. This, and cutting energy waste, will stabilise fuel bills and create new jobs. To find out more and back the campaign, visit www.cleanbritishenergy.co.uk.