Help struggling families with energy bills, says charity

Energy companies should pass on profits to customers who are struggling with their bills, according to Family Action.

Its comments come after Centrica - parent company to British Gas - confirmed that energy prices will increase.

The cost will rise from around 31p to 49p in winter 2010-11, and 57p the following winter.

British Gas and Scottish and Southern Energy have both reported healthy profits in the last few days, while Helen Dent, chief executive of Family Action, said that many families are struggling to get credit during the recession.

She added: "It is vital that energy companies are prompt in passing more of their profits back to this vulnerable group, particularly those on pre-payment meters."

A recent report by uSwitch advised consumers to get heating cover to avoid being left out in the cold during winter.