Ed Miliband has been fiercely criticised by GB News star Stephen Dixon after he failed to appear on the People’s Channel.
The Energy Secretary is preparing to back plans to charge homes in the South more for electricity in a system critics have branded a ‘postcode lottery’.
Miliband appeared on mainstream news channel like the BBC and Sky News to talk through his plans, but no appearance on GB News was forthcoming.
Stephen made his feelings clear on the matter as he accused the Labour minister of “not wanting to talk” to People’s Channel viewers.
Stephen Dixon hit out at Ed Miliband for failing to appear on the programme
GB NEWS / PA
“We would like to talk to Ed Miliband, and he has done what we call ‘the rounds’”, he said.
“So on every other channel, Ed Miliband has been appearing to talk about what he is putting forward, but not us.
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“He will not come on GB News to talk about it. You can tweet him and tell him what you think about that - he doesn’t want to address you.
“There are more people watching this channel than other news channels at this time and yet he doesn’t want to talk to you. I don’t know why.”
Stephen’s co-host Nana Akua added: “I do find it astonishing. They are public servants, paid for from the public purse.
“We are a broadcaster, a reputable broadcaster at that. We have a good audience and this breakfast show usually rates the highest among news channels at this time.
Nana Akua said Miliband's failure to appear was an 'insult' to GB News viewers
GB NEWS
“I think it’s somewhat of an insult to the viewers when these policies will affect them directly.”
Under the proposed system, supply and demand in each regional zone would determine electricity prices.
Areas with more wind generation, including Scotland, could see households paying reduced rates compared to homes in the South.
The change could potentially reduce household electricity bills overall by decreasing the need for grid upgrades.
Ed Miliband is making drastic changes to UK energy policy Getty ImagesA decision on the zonal pricing system is likely to be announced by mid-2025, according to ministers.
There's still a possibility the changes could be blocked or "watered down".
The move would represent the most significant overhaul of the electricity market since the 1990s.
Supporters of the scheme, including Octopus Energy, Ovo Energy and Citizens Advice, argue it could reduce costs for all households overall.
Stephen Dixon and Nana Akua said Miliband missed an opportunity to discuss his energy bill proposals
GB NEWS
The National Energy System Operator and Ofgem also back the changes.
The system could create a more 'efficient' operation that reduces "constraint" payments to wind farms.
Critics, including SSE and Scottish Power, warn the system may create 'regional disparities' in household bills.
They also suggest it could deter potential renewable energy investors.
This risks jeopardising Miliband's pledge to deliver a "clean" power system by 2030.
A spokesman for the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero [DESNZ] said: "We are considering reforms to Britain's electricity market arrangements, ensuring that these focus on protecting bill payers and encouraging investment."
The department promised to provide an update "in due course".
Britain reportedly paid an average of £180,000 an hour to turn off wind farms earlier this year due to grid congestion.
A DESNZ spokesman said: “The Energy Secretary did not have time to appear on every programme this morning as he is hosting an international energy summit."
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