List of protests across Derbyshire urging Government to take action on energy bill increases
Protests will be taking place at four venues across Derbyshire and one in Nottingham today (Tuesday, October 1) as part of a nationwide campaign urging the Government to take action on fuel poverty. The Unite4Energy for All campaign is in response to the forthcoming Ofgem price cap increase.
According to Unite union, which represents the interests of workers in various industries, says the increase will see energy bills rise by an average of 10%, with vulnerable groups, such as pensioners, facing increases of up to 15%.
Demonstrators will be demanding public ownership of energy distribution networks, domestic power suppliers, and North Sea oil and gas reserves, in a bid to curb corporate profiteering.
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The protests will also highlight what they see as hardships caused by the Government's cuts to the winter fuel allowance for pensioners. Unite's campaign is calling for the introduction of a free energy allowance for every household to cover basic needs, as a step towards ending fuel poverty.
Members of Unite, alongside other community organisations, will rally at:
Chesterfield - Market Place at 10am
New Mills - Promenade Market Street at 11am
Glossop - Norfolk Street at 11am
Belper - Kings Street at 11am
Nottingham - Eon headquarters in the Victoria Centre at 11am
Unite's report 'Renationalising Energy - Costs and Savings' claims that profits made by private energy companies amount to £45 billion. The union says that If these profits were returned to consumers, it could lead to a significant reduction in energy bills, potentially saving each household £1,800. It also claims that fuel bills are 65% higher than in 2020 and more than 6.5 million people live in fuel poverty.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Callous utility corporations are blighting the lives of millions. Every household must be guaranteed enough energy to cover essential needs. No one should be forced to choose between heating or eating."
Unite Community activist, Judy White said: “The tragedy in this country, the fifth richest in the world, is that people are having to choose between eating and heating.
“The cut to the winter fuel allowance is appalling and the consequences will be catastrophic. We believe that with decisive government action all deaths from cold homes, and fuel poverty can be avoided.”