Millions in the UK have seen their energy bills rise this summer by as much as 35%.

The government has come under fire from trade unions, Labour backbenchers and others who say that Gordon Brown has not done enough to help those in low-income households to meet the rising prices.

While the profits of power firms continue to soar, ministers have ruled out calls to impose a windfall tax or make one-off payments for fuel-poor families.

The government unveiled its solution earlier this month, with a £1bn package to improve the energy efficiency of homes and help cut soaring fuel bills.

It says its energy saving programme will provide help for householders to make their homes more energy efficient, and will assist those most at risk of fuel poverty with their bills this winter through winter fuel payments and lower energy company tariffs.

Heating homes accounts for a significant proportion of the UK's carbon dioxide emissions. So does the government's plan help householders tackle both fuel bills and global warming? Or is it too little, too late?

More broadly, how can the UK balance its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions with providing a secure energy supply?

Joan Ruddock, the climate change minister, will be online at 12.30pm on Thursday September 25 to answer your questions. Please post them in the comments below.