Chris Huhne has written to energy bosses to demand they change their bills to make them clearer for consumers.

In an open letter released yesterday, the Energy Secretary urges electricity and gas companies to make their bills clearer on a voluntary basis or else the Government will use Energy Bill legislation to force them to act.

Mr Huhne said: “I want to see a voluntary agreement with the industry this summer, but if this isn’t forthcoming I will use our new powers in the Energy Bill.

“Putting this information on bills will help people find out if they are getting the best deal. If they find they are not, they can do something about it.”

Proposals include adding information to bills on how to move to the cheapest tariff offered by the supplier and how your household’s energy usage compares to similar households.

Christine McGourty, Director of Energy UK, said that 2 million new bills have been sent to customers as part of a trial by energy companies working with DECC.