A grioup of activists have barricaded themselves into meeting rooms on two floors of British Gas offices in Staines, Middlesex, as part of the "Winter Warm-Up" weekend called by the campaign group Fuel Poverty Action. British Gas is being targeted as one of the Big Six energy companies making profits out of rising energy bills. It is planned to stream the occupation live on the internet, with a "Heat or Eat" comedy quiz played by the occupiers, and audience participation over Twitter.

Hannah Edler, 27, a Heat or Eat contestant, said "Heat or Eat is a choice no-one should have to face. The Big Six energy companies are raking in record profits while our bills rise, and thousands die unable to heat their homes. We’re here to put ourselves in the way of this shameless profiteering.”

Edler added: "Instead of paying billions to Big Six bosses every year, we could have a fairer system where our energy is owned by communities who decide how it is priced and produced. Money could be better spent on giving homes proper insulation, and investing in moving away from the dangerous fossil fuel system which the Big Six have trapped us in. To provide for everyone’s needs and stop wrecking the planet’s climate, we need democratic control of our energy system!"

This action is part of a national weekend of protests called by campaign group Fuel Poverty Action targeting energy companies, local government and housing providers over fuel poverty and corporate greed. The protests, dubbed "Winter Warm Ups" and organised by community, environmental and Occupy groups, also took place in Lewisham, Haringey, Hackney, Swindon (outside RWE Npower office), Leeds, Manchester, Cambridge, and the City of London. They demand a fair democratic energy system which provides warm housing for all and a safe climate for our future.

Fuel Poverty Action hopes that other actions will be carried out against British Gas and other energy companies and that their directors will be held to account for the way that they are abusing their position to exploit ordinary people.

At least 20 police are now on site and are attempting to get inside the rooms by breaking down the doors.