GOVERNMENT MUST BE TOUGH WITH ENERGY COMPANIES - MOORE

9.47.56am GMT Thu 6th Mar 2008

Borders MP Michael Moore has reacted to the news that UK Ministers are meeting energy companies to discuss wider use of discounted 'social' tariffs by calling on the Government to take a tough line.

Mr Moore, who has been campaigning for urgent action to tackle fuel poverty, said:

"The energy companies are receiving a massive £9 billion bonus due to the emissions trading scheme, and yet millions of people are struggling to cope with ever-increasing fuel bills.

"Ministers, and the regulator Ofgem, must ensure that social tariffs are made available to all pensioners and those on benefits, to avoid anyone being left out in the cold.

"If the energy companies refuse to make this pledge, the Government should follow through with their threat to introduce a windfall tax on this huge bonus."