Press release
Huhne turns up the heat on 'Big Six' energy companies
7 September 2011
Commenting on reports today that Energy Secretary Chris Huhne has warned the 'Big Six' energy suppliers that they need to double their insulation rates to avoid missing Government targets for saving energy in homes, Friends of the Earth's energy campaigner Paul Steedman said:
"People are right to be infuriated by big energy companies netting huge profits - their addiction to costly fossil fuels and our heat-leaking homes mean that 5.5 million households face the misery of homes cold enough to harm their health this winter.
"Current policies are not delivering fast enough - we need to slash energy waste to cut bills now, and develop green energy like wind and wave power to stabilise fuel bills over the next decade.
"The Government must end the 'Big Six's stranglehold on the energy market and bring forward rules to ensure landlords get on with the job of insulating rented homes."
ENDS
Notes to editors
1. DECC press release: http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/news/pn11_072/pn11_072.aspx
2. The Government has a key opportunity to strengthen the Energy Bill when it reaches report stage in Parliament next week. Friends of the Earth is calling on the Government to:
- Bring forward its proposed minimum energy efficiency standard for rented homes to 2016;
- Give councils a key role in co-ordinating street-by-street action to insulate homes - not just leaving it to the energy companies;
- Deliver additional funding to encourage the take-up of energy efficiency measures up and down the country.
For more information see our Press For Change.
3. Friends of the Earth research shows that a green energy revolution is needed to stabalise energy bills in the long run.
If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.
Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Sep 2011
