Government sets out plans to tackle rising energy costs

Chris Huhne, the energy secretary, has said the government can deliver some "real hits" on household energy bills by giving the country's biggest gas and electricity providers a tougher time.

Consumers will be encouraged to take steps to reduce their energy bills amid growing concerns in Whitehall over the sharp increase in prices.

Huhne and David Cameron will outline the measures after summoning Britain's six biggest suppliers to a special energy summit in London on Monday.

In a joint article previewing that event, the energy secretary and the prime minister express their determination to see a fall in prices.

Huhne will point out that a small proportion of the increase in energy bills over the last year – just £20 – has been caused by Britain's renewable energy obligations. The bulk of the increase has been caused by the dramatic rise in gas prices.   Read More