Conservative call for lower energy bills

The "cartel" of the "big six" energy firms will be referred to the Competition Commission as one of the first acts of a Conservative government, it is reported here today.

In an interview with The Independent on Sunday, Tory energy spokesman Greg Clark said there was an unacceptable lag between the cost of wholesale gas and household bills – with customers on average paying £74 too much a year.

The gas and electricity companies accused of refusing to pass on reductions in wholesale energy prices to customers will be subject to an independent investigation.

At the Tory conference this week, Mr Clark will announce an "energy revolution" which will also see gas and electricity bills overhauled, so that they show householders how they could be saving money.