DAVID Crausby MP says that the government needs to take action over the rising costs of energy bills, Bolton News, July 30.

I couldn’t agree more and applaud him on his mission.

I would like him to bring to the Prime Minister's attention about the very hefty so called standing charges that we are forced to pay.

I am with E-ON and the standing charge for electricity is 24.78 pence per day.

The standing charge for the gas is 30 pence per day.

I would like to bet that not many people realise the amount they have to pay for this.

I rang the customer service people at E-ON and asked what was it for. The woman was a little mystified and couldn’t think what to say but after a few seconds said, 'Oh, it’s for when we come out to read the meters and for the upkeep of them.'

I think it is just another excuse to get more money from the public and something needs to be done, about the horrific 54.78 pence per day standing charge.

Norman Bamford

Thicketford Road

Bolton