Union blasts 'greedy' energy firms

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Unite said that since 2003, energy firms have increased their profits by 538% to £3 billion and raised prices by up to 35% this year alone.

The industry was spending just £50 million a year combating fuel poverty despite the "huge" hikes in prices, profits and share dividends, said the union.

Joint leader Tony Woodley said: "The greedy oil companies have made tens of billions and in the next four years they will make an extra £15 billion from the British public.

"The Government must intervene now. Our case for a windfall tax is compelling. It is morally right. I say to the Government it's time to do the right thing and protect the most vulnerable in society."

Derek Simpson, join leader of Unite, added: "Winter is approaching and in the coming months low paid families will be forced to switch their heating off because they won't be able to afford the bill.

"The heartless excuses from the energy companies for not fulfilling their social responsibilities have been swallowed hook, line and sinker by the Government. It's time for action because the situation is dire."

The dossier said energy firms expected to make billions of pounds in windfall profits over the next four years.

Companies paid £1.6 billion to shareholders last year, up by a fifth on the previous 12 months, said Unite.

The report added that the percentage of profits spent on finding new deposits of fossil fuels had remained flat for years.