British Gas slams eco tax for bills hike

The power giant went on the offensive after reporting profits of more than 500million for 2011.

Chief executive Sam Laidlaw said Government eco charges and taxes now account for 15 PER CENT of every home's power bills.

And he warned environmental costs could DOUBLE to 160 per household per year by 2015. He asked: "Is that right in the current climate?"

The comments came as British Gas-owner CENTRICA reported annual profits of 2.4billion up 1 per cent.

British Gas made 522million. That figure is down 30 per cent on 2010 as mild weather slashed residential gas consumption.

Watchdogs said customers, who have endured huge bill hikes, would be "gobsmacked" by the figures. But Mr Laidlaw argued British Gas is at the mercy of world markets and the Government's bid to speed up the green revolution.

Return to top