AS the winter bites and the nights become colder many Glaswegians are again worrying about the cost of heating their home.

Britain's energy market is dominated by six major companies who collectively supply over 99% of British households.

Last week the bosses of the energy companies were hauled in front of a committee of MPs, including my fellow Glasgow MP John Robertson, to explain why they have raised gas and electricity prices by more than £300 since 2010, while at the same time paying out more than £7billion in profits to shareholders.

Figures from energy regulator Ofgem showed that wholesale energy costs have only increased by 1.7% this year, while bills are up, on average, by more than 9%.

According to the Fuel Poverty Evidence Review, 800,000 Scottish households, 35% of Scots, are fuel poor, spending 10% or more of their household income on energy.

That is why Labour's pledge to stand up to the energy companies and freeze the energy bills of consumers is so important, especially at a time when household budgets are being squeezed.

One of the first actions of a Labour government will be to freeze energy prices until the start of 2017 and to break up the big energy companies so that we can all get a fair deal.

This will save a typical household £120 and an average business £1800.

The problem is, David Cameron and Alex Salmond are on the side of the energy companies and are choosing instead to stand up for the interests of the big six energy companies.

It's a sad day when Government becomes a cheerleader for the energy companies instead of putting people first.

And what is worse is Alex Salmond and the SNP are guaranteeing a tax cut for energy companies, boosting their profits while individuals and families struggle to pay their bills.

Scots are now faced with a crippling combination of rising living costs and frozen wages that have created a cost of living crisis that both Governments' have failed to address.

Disappointingly, however, Alex Salmond only wishes to talk about the powers he wants rather than getting on and using the powers he has now to make a difference to people lives today.

That is why Labour will not stand by but will take action now to help hard pressed Scottish families.

And one excellent example of this is the action your Labour-led council are taking here in Glasgow.

Glasgow City Council is acting by supporting Glasgow's older people above the age of 80 with a £100 Winter Fuel Payment to help them meet the costs of staying warm at winter.

This is a Labour council using the powers it has to protect the most vulnerable in our communities.

It's an example of Labour putting people first while the SNP continue to put the referendum first and the interests of Scotland second.