Ross Lydall: The ties have it

The bosses of the "big six" energy firms appeared at the first meeting of the Commons energy and climate change committee today. But the most illuminating thing, if you'll excuse the weak pun, was the tie sported by Ian Marchant, chief executive of Scottish and Southern Energy.
It was black, with a bold pattern of giant yellow light bulbs. A man with a sense of humour, or possibly children, methinks. But are his green credentials harmed by the fact that the lightbulbs weren't of the low-energy type?
There was a good stooshie between Mr Marchant and John Robertson, the Labour MP for Glasgow North West. Robbo reckoned the energy firms were making excess profits out of people (generally those on low incomes) who have pre-paid meters. Mr Marchant exploded with rage when his denial was dubbed an excuse. "These are not excuses! These are the facts!" he stormed, in a most unparliamentary way.
As for bills, Scottish and Southern will cut electricity bills by 9 per cent, and gas bills by 4 per cent, from 30 March. Expect reductions from Scottish Power too. "We don't want to lose any customers," said its chief executive, Nick Horler. "We are likely to move soon."