PEOPLE POWER
Martin Lewis quizzes energy tycoon over ‘ripping people off’ claims in fiery GMB clash
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MARTIN Lewis quizzed an energy tycoon today over allegations of "ripping people off".
The money-saving expert also accused Ovo Energy boss Stephen Fitzpatrick of making profits while people worry about their energy bills.
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But the CEO insisted on ITV's Good Morning Britain that his firm works on behalf of his customers.
Mr Fitzpatrick had said there was a "winter like no other" coming amid rising fears of energy rationing and possible blackouts.
And he said the Government can do a lot to ease the cost of living crisis to "lighten the load" for households.
But Martin quizzed the Ovo boss what he thought of claims he was making profits while overcharging weary Brits.
He asked Mr Fitzpatrick what he thought about people who say he is "a fat cat making the profits, ripping people off".
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The energy boss replied: "There are a lot of companies making extraordinary large profits. Not necessarily by doing anything wrong but they are making a lot of money.
"I set up a retail energy business 13 years ago, only in retail, we only work on behalf of customers.
"We have no invested interests, except for what is good for customers."
It was revealed on Friday that millions of Ovo energy customers who pay by direct debit will receive a £400 discount within weeks.
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But it caused fury for hosting a lavish wine party for staff after telling Brits to stay warm by cuddling cats and doing star jumps.
Campaign group Don't Pay UK has called for a mass non-payment of bills, which Mr Fitzpatrick insisted would mean prices going up for everyone.
He said: "We all know that sooner or later somebody has to pay for this. And for those people that don't pay their bills, it puts the price up for everybody else.
"We all know that people that this winter will not be able to afford to pay. And we need to support those people. Energy companies need to support them.
"The Government needs to support them. But it can't be the case that we just say we're not going to pay."
Last month Mr Lewis warned Brits against non-payment, insisting it would cause exponential problems.
But Mr Lewis told Mr Fitzpatrick it would cause problems for energy companies, adding: "We are in unprecedented times if that were to happen, aren't we?"
Mr Fitzpatrick admitted "we certainly are." He added: "I know people are worried about getting disconnected.
"That's something that just doesn't happen. Energy companies just don't disconnect customers during the winter."
It comes after Martin Lewis threw his pen on his desk and put his head in his hands as former minister Edwina Currie handed out energy bills advice.
She suggested using tin foil to keep costs down.
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It comes after the energy price cap was lifted with bills set to rocket to £3,549 on average per year.
Groceries are also on the rise, with cucumber possibly going above £1.
Yesterday Mr Lewis explained how families will still shell out hundreds of pounds even if they use no energy.
Liz Truss is set to unveil a £100billion cost-of-living crisis rescue package within her first week of office after becoming the next PM.
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A Sun on Sunday poll sent a warning to her yesterday as four in five Brits believe the Government isn't doing enough to ease the cost of living crisis.
We've collected 33 ways for Sun readers to cut their energy bills now.
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