14 November 2008
The Unite union is demanding an overhaul of the energy market, insisting urgent action is needed to prevent fuel poverty from spiralling.
It is calling for a windfall tax on the profits of energy companies, the revenue from which should be distributed among some of the most hard-pressed consumers.
Tony Woodley, joint leader of the TUC, also urged Ofgem to use its powers to impose price caps on the industry in order to protect vulnerable households.
And he criticised the energy regulator for failing to guard against market abuse, as consumers are forced to pay "sky high" prices for an essential commodity.
"To have ordinary people wrestle with whether to heat their homes or feed their families is inhumane," Mr Woodley stressed.
His comments come as MPs from the public accounts committee are calling for more information for energy customers to allow them to take full advantage of switching and to enable them to find the most competitive deals.