'Big six' energy firms forced to explain increasing bills

The big six were asked to explain themselves. Credit: ITV News

The so-called 'big six' energy companies were be forced to explain to Parliament why bills are increasing so much this winter.

A committee of MPs called them in after four firms put up rates by an average of more than nine per cent.

But only one company - E.On - put forward its chief executive for today's questioning - which has been called a disgrace.

Tony Cocker said he has written to Prime Minister David Cameron calling for a competition commission investigation into the industry to be set up to help reassure customers

"I fundamentally believe that this market is competitive but I acknowledge we are not trusted and therefore I believe we need to have a very thorough competition commission investigation," he said.

ITV News Business Editor Laura Kuenssberg reports: