The National Grid in the UK has come in the line of criticism after it said that it has recorded half-year profits worth nearly £1billion as the households come under increasing pressure due to increasing power bills.

National Grid, which transports gas and electricity around the country, earned £979million during the six months till 30 September, 2013. The firm has benefitted greatly from the a rise in distribution charges that were ultimately paid by the customers in the country.

Steve Holliday, the head of National Grid defended the profits by saying that, "We continue to invest efficiently in essential regulated assets on both sides of the Atlantic, providing our customers with reliable networks while generating value and driving growth."

Mark Todd, director at price comparison service energyhelpline said that National Grid is one of the leading firms while homeowners suffer from increasing prices. National Grid's results come after a series of energy firms recorded strong profits in the country. Energy prices have become a crucial political agenda since opposition Labour leader Ed Miliband said that he would freeze prices if his party wins the general election in 2015.