Poll: Do you support Ed Miliband's plans to freeze energy bills?
As Ed Miliband pledges to freeze gas and electricity bills for 20 months if he wins the 2015 election, we ask if you support the Labour leader's plans.
Miliband today warned energy firms they will be 'part of the problem' unless they support his move to freeze prices.
It has been welcomed by consumer groups angry at price hikes over recent years, but the 'big six' suppliers warned it could have serious consequences.
Mr Miliband said the UK had 'a market that isn't working'. And, as the row between Labour and the energy firms escalates, he dismissed them as 'unreliable witnesses' after they claimed his plan to freeze prices could lead to blackouts.
Do you support Ed Miliband's plans to freeze energy bills? Vote in our poll below and have your say in the comments section:
Mr Miliband has now written to the energy companies after pledging yesterday to hold prices for two years if he wins power.
Firms have warned the move could lead to energy shortages and power cuts as the industry is starved of the investment it needs – and business chiefs have also been critical.
But Mr Miliband insists it is time to 'reset the market' and warned the industry he would not help guarantee funding for its development if it does not fall in line.
His plans would see a price freeze from 2015 until 2017 while the sector is reformed, with watchdog Ofgem axed, firms split into generation and retail arms and competition increased.
In his letter, the Labour leader wrote: "I appreciate that you will not welcome all aspects of this package but it is my firm view that without resetting the market we are not going to see the public consent that is required to underpin the scale of taxpayer backed guarantees for which you have argued.
"I am prepared to make the case for sharing the risks of such investment, but that must be against the backdrop of a market that customers believe works for them.
"You and I know that the public have lost faith in this market. There is a crisis of confidence. We face a stark choice.
"We can work together on the basis of this price freeze to make the market work in the future. Or you can reinforce in the public mind that you are part of the problem not the solution."
Mr Miliband was due to be quizzed today on the plans when he put himself up for questioning as the conference draws to a close.
