Energy News;Turning Up Heat On Energy Firms

More than 100 MPs have joined campaign groups in demanding a one-off tax on energy companies for refusing to pass on wholesale price cuts to customers.They say the money should be used to help the millions of people facing fuel poverty.

The politicians are preparing to sign a Commons motion demanding "aggressive action" against the firms for not lowering their prices after reductions in the cost of oil.

The MPs want a windfall tax similar to the one announced by US President-elect Barack Obama which he thinks will deliver a $1,000 (£672) rebate for all working families.

But Prime Minister Gordon Brown is not thought to back such a tax in the UK.

Polls show that the latest move by politicians is popular among the public, with pensioners and families in particular struggling to cope.

Up to three million people are thought to be living in fuel poverty.

Campaigners say gas bills have risen by 100% and electricity bills are up by 61% since 2000.

This has meant average household energy bills have increased to over £1,200 a year.

Yet the price of oil is now around $46 a barrel - $100 cheaper than in July.

Also, energy providers' profits have risen from £557m in 2003 to over £5bn.

Single mother Colette Gilbane's fuel bills have doubled in recent months - and with Christmas fast approaching she feels energy companies have got their priorities wrong.

She told Sky News: "It's a lot of greed on their behalf. They're probably getting big bonuses for Christmas. They're not thinking about the little man really, the pensioners, the people that need the heating for winter."

Campaigner Gavin Hayes said: "It's right for the Government to levy this one-off windfall tax and then use the money to help people immediately with their fuel bills and also kick start an adequately funded programme of home insulation."