Energy firms profits rise as people face heat or eat struggle

Citizens Advice says a 75% hike in energy firms profits will further fuel consumer anger in price rises.

Citizens Advice Chief Executive Gillian Guy said:

"Energy firms are raking in the profits as people struggle to afford to heat their home and put food on the table.

"Research from Citizens Advice found suppliers have upped their prices by 37 per cent over the last 3 years - eight times faster than earnings.

"The news of a 75 per cent rise in profits will further fuel consumer's anger at price rises. People will want to know why they are facing even bigger bills this winter while energy firms are making big profits.  Suppliers need to keep costs down so that having a warm home does not become luxury only the well-off can afford."

Notes to editors:

  1. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local bureaux, all of which are independent charities, the Citizens Advice consumer service and national charity Citizens Advice. Together we help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more see the Citizens Advice website .

  2. The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential, and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.

  3. To find your local bureau in England and Wales, visit citizensadvice.org.uk . You can also get advice online at adviceguide.org.uk

  4. You can get consumer advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 or 03454 04 05 05 for Welsh language speakers

  5. Citizens Advice Bureaux in England and Wales advised 2.3 million clients on 5.4 million problems from October 2013 to September 2014. For full 2013/2014  service statistics see our quarterly publication Advice trends

  6. Citizens Advice service staff are supported by more than 21,000 trained volunteers, working at over 3,000 service outlets across England and Wales.