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Fuel Poverty Action said eight people had 'barricaded themselves into meeting rooms' at the company's offices in Staines this morning. 

 

British Gas issued a statement on Twitter and on its online newsroom following the arrival of what it called a 'small number of people'.

 

Moments afterwards the company announced on Twitter that its managing director Phil Bentley, was speaking with the group and answering their questions directly. 

 

The company also used its online newsroom to concede the challenges being caused by high energy prices, stating:

 

'We recognise the impact that higher energy prices are having on household budgets. That's why British Gas has announced a series of measures to help customers through the winter, including a cut in electricity prices, a hold on prices overall, free insulation and help for eligible customers to claim the Warm Homes Discount.'

 

The company said it has spent more than £500 million on helping vulnerable customers over the past three years.

 

British Gas was not the only target for the protestors from the group that organised 'Winter Warm Ups' at offices of the six big energy companies (EDF Energy, E.ON Group, Npower, Scottish Power and Southern & Scottish Energy). The activists also targeted local government and housing providers over the weekend.

 

The activists dismissed the olive branch offered by British Gas in a statement issued on the day of the occupation.