Houghton and Sunderland South MP, Bridget Phillipson has written to the Chancellor, George Osborne, demanding the government take action to support local people after four of the big six energy providers announce plans for large increases in gas and electricity prices.

E.ON is now the latest of the big six energy providers to announce price rises of over 11% for electricity and 18% for gas – this is the second price rise by E.ON this year. British Gas has already announced price rises for electricity of 16% and 18% for gas. These rises are despite a fall in the wholesale gas price to its lowest level for 2011.

In 2010 4,020,000 (18.3%) households were described as ‘fuel poor’. Meaning they needed to spend in excess of 10% of household income to keep warm. Rising energy prices is one factor contributing to the rise in ‘fuel poor’ households.

Bridget is asking local people to take part in her energy price fight back’ survey to help create a more detailed picture of the impact of rising energy bills. Households wanting to take part in the survey should emailBridget.Phillipson.MP@parliament.uk.

Commenting on the news of E.ON’s price rise, Bridget said:

“E.ON’s double price rise is extremely unhelpful. From the correspondents I receive, I know families in our local community are already finding it tough because of rising food and fuel prices.

Action needs to be taken now, before winter sets in, to ensure families don’t face a choice between buying essentials such as food and paying their heating bill.

I have asked the Chancellor what action he is going to help support hard pressed families and will continue to campaign on behalf of the local community to ensure the government provides the support local people deserve.”