Campaigners reacted with fury to a remark made by an energy company boss over the fuel bill crisis facing millions.

 

E.On boss Mark Owen-Lloyd joked that continued high gas and energy prices would mean "more money for us" - ignoring the plight of millions of low-income families who will face a choice between food and warmth this winter.

The energy firm apologised unreservedly for their head of emissions trading's blunder and warned he could face disciplinary action. But a Help the Aged spokesman slammed the jibe.

 

He said: "Fuel poverty is no laughing matter. One in four older people struggle to pay their fuel bills and millions may be forced to choose between heating and eating this winter."

 

A spokesman for industry watchdog Energywatch added: "You can understand traders being glib together but it is very poor taste to do so the day before the Government announces a much-needed package to tackle fuel poverty."

 

Mr Owen-Lloyd made the comment during a presentation at an Ofgem winter outlook seminar on Wednesday. Asked how high gas and oil prices could be affected by a harsh winter, he replied: "It will make more money for us."

Labour backbencher Roger Godsiff has been a leading proponent in calling on Gordon Brown to issue a windfall tax on major energy companies.

 

He said: "It was a very cynical comment that merely shows the contempt that major energy companies have for the general public. The really sad thing is, the joke is true and that's why we need the windfall tax." An E.On spokesman said: "It was a thoroughly inappropriate comment and we would like to offer an apology."

 

We all know that these are the feelings of all the energy company’s, but now it has been made public, Brown was wrong not to impose a wind fall tax on these energy companies. But I suppose if he did then they would increase the prices still further.  If the cost of fuel keeps rising then perhaps the Government bring legislation to stop these companies increasing the cost of fuel above the rate on inflation.