The country's major energy suppliers have been criticised for ripping off consumers by raising the cost of utilities bills.

Labour leader Ed Miliband used his speech at the annual party conference to raise concerns, accusing the suppliers of having "vested interests" when it comes to raising bills.

The Friends of the Earth's director of policy and campaigns Craig Bennett agreed with the politician's observations, saying that providers are using expensive fossil fuels that are leading to a rise in bills.

"The government must allow smaller players into the market and support businesses to provide our homes with long-term affordable, clean energy," he commented.

Mr Bennett advised the party leader to step up his opposition to cuts to the feed-in tariff scheme, which is encouraging homeowners and businesses to generate their own green energy.

Unison expressed its concerns in relation to fuel poverty following the speech, saying that millions of people cannot foot their utilities bills.