High energy bills are a big problem for many people, especially at this time of year. About 1.6m children in the UK live in fuel poverty and this winter one older person will die of cold every seven minutes.
Meanwhile, the big six energy companies are making billions in profits.
It is clear privatisation has been a disaster, yet our Government is using our aid budget to promote this failed approach in countries such as Nigeria, where the result has been higher prices, blackouts and job losses.
We should use aid money to improve people’s lives. But this will only happen if used in the right way. In Bolivia and Costa Rica, energy co-operatives have provided electricity in rural areas where previously it was not available.
It is high time our politicians realised the power of the big six is failing consumers in the UK – and stopped supporting the same failed model abroad.
MERVYN HILTON-LEIGH
Woodstock Avenue
- Send your letters to: letters@suttonguardian.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here