Farron slams energy companies for putting 'Profit above people' - and demands immediate reduction in household bills

Lakes MP Tim Farron has today blasted British Gas for continuing to push for inflation busting price rises which hurt people in the South Lakes and putting 'profit above people'.

Centrica, which owns British Gas, reported an adjusted operating profit of £2.7bn for 2012, up 14% from 2011.They increased tariffs by 6% for around 8.5 million households at the end of last year.

Tim has previously written to OFGEM to raise the issue of the rises in gas and electricity bills. Tim has also called for OFGEM to be stronger and has said that if they don't act he will ask the government to step in and formerly regulate the market - including setting limits on bills. Tim has now demanded that British Gas immediately cut household bills following the announcement of their huge profits.

Tim has welcomed work that South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) have done on the 'energy switch scheme'. Over 1,100 households have registered for a better price on their energy costs. Some residents have saved up to £300. The scheme has been so successful that SLDC decided to extend the registration period for the latest round of the scheme and people are now able to register until Monday 8 April.

Tim said: "I am today calling on OFGEM to act and if they don't I will push strongly for the government to step in and look at amending the forthcoming energy bill to help bring down prices- but the only decent thing that British Gas can do in response to their huge profits is to immediately cut their bills to customers."

"The Energy companies are drinking in the last chance saloon - they cannot just keep hiking up prices, when they are making such big profits. They must be made to realise that they are looking at stringent regulation that could ensure that their future profits will be minimal - unless they start to treat their customers fairly"