Protesters to rally in Peterborough over rising cost of energy
A demonstration is to be held in Peterborough by campaigners seeking to end what they describe as ‘fuel poverty.’
Supporters of the Unite union are to stage a protest outside Peterborough Town Hall, in Bridge Street, on July 1 from 11am to 1pm as part of its Energy 4 All campaign.
It is part of a series of protests nationwide.and will coincide with the date the energy price cap rises by £221 a year for an average household.
A Unite spokesperson said: “We will be drawing attention to the fact that 12.1 million UK households live in fuel poverty and cannot afford to pay their energy bills.
"This is a problem that is set to worsen with the latest price hikes.”
The UK energy price cap will increase by 13 per cent for a typical dual-fuel household from 1 July to 30 September, raising the average annual bill to £1,862 for people paying by direct debit.
Unite says this will add about £18 a month to energy bills.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "The increase in the energy cap is another kick in the teeth for workers and families who were already struggling with ever rising bills and the cost-of-living crisis.
"We need decisive action for the short and long term.
"There must be an immediate and deep cut in the energy price cap and a plan to renationalise our energy."
Unite regional community coordinator Vic Paulino said: “Already, our members have told us they are struggling to pay their energy bills and without decisive action this situation will only get worse.
“Our protest will highlight this huge increase in energy bills, the need for public ownership of the energy companies and to provide a demonstration of people’s anger at never ending increases in energy prices.”