Scottish and Southern Energy Gas & Electricity

Rebel MP Frank Field wishes to mobilise backbench support in encouraging the government to help poor customers.

In an interview, John Hutton appears to have ruled out the possibility of the government imposing windfall taxes on gas and electricity firms.

The chancellor is unlikely to impose the levy on energy firms - and might propose energy vouchers to help out low-income families instead.

Shadow chancellor George Osborne said today that he wants people on low-incomes to use the discount deals currently enjoyed by those who pay their energy bills through direct debit.

Big increases have been imposed for both gas and electricity tariffs by the provider - due to high wholesale energy prices.