Leading article: Political power

Our politicians finally seem to be switching on to the abuses of the energy conglomerates, as highlighted in our Great Energy Rip-Off campaign. In his interview with this newspaper today, the Climate Change and Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband, warns suppliers that he expects bills to come down significantly this winter to match falling wholesale prices.

Meanwhile, the Conservative leader, David Cameron, spoke yesterday of his party's plans to force energy companies to inform customers clearly on their bills how much they would save by moving to a cheaper tariff. He also wants firms to tell people when they are using more power than average houses in their area. This would help to counteract the customer inertia that is such a source of unmerited profit for the sector.

Our political leaders are helping to shed some light on the problem. Their next job is to make sure the abusive energy giants start feeling some serious heat if they fail to mend their ways.