EIGHT Greenpeace activists remained in police custody today after scaling two 75m-high chimney stacks at England’s largest gas-fired power station.

The group climbed maintenance ladders at Staythorpe power station, owned by energy giant RWE, before unfurling a banner reading: “The Great Gas Rip-Off: Now on!”.

Monday’s protest aimed to draw attention to how the cost of the most expensive form of power, usually gas, still determines the price of electricity, which keeps bills high.

This is despite gas generating just 30 per cent of Britain’s electricity, Greenpeace says.

Britain spent an extra £90 billion on gas between 2021 and 2024, following price spikes triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, according to analysis by the Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit.

Greenpeace warned that companies can earn huge profits when demand surges, citing an evening in January when two power station owners were paid at least £12 million to supply three hours of electricity following a spell of freezing weather.

One of the climbers, Vincent McGoldrick, 68, said: “I’m a pensioner — I shouldn’t be climbing on power stations. But something has to happen, something has to change. 

“We’re all being ripped off by these greedy gas companies and it’s the poorest in society that are bearing the brunt of sky-high electricity prices.

“This has a knock-on effect on our health, our children’s education and it’s costing the NHS millions.”

The activists were arrested for aggravated trespassing and remain in custody, Nottinghamshire Police confirmed.

An RWE spokesperson said: “At the time of the incident, the power station was operational and continues to produce power.

“Our foremost priority remains the safety and wellbeing of everyone on site, including our staff, contractors, and the protestors.

“We are closely monitoring the situation and working collaboratively with the relevant authorities to ensure all necessary safety measures are in place.”