date: 30 July 2008

embargo: For immediate release

TUC on energy price hikes

Commenting on the news today (Wednesday) that British Gas owner Centrica is to raise gas prices by 35 per cent and electricity prices by 9 per cent, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:

'The latest energy price hikes will drive the number of households in fuel poverty towards the six million mark, at a time when many families are already struggling to make ends meet because of increased food and petrol costs.

'More expensive gas and electricity also puts greater pressure on UK industry, with companies who are big energy users now paying one-third more for their power than firms in France and Germany.

'The UK's coal reserves must be allowed to play a bigger part in our energy mix. Coal would give UK consumers and industry more stable and secure energy prices, rather than the volatility we are now witnessing.'

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Press release (400 words) issued 30 Jul 2008