In a move that is likely to spark outrage among customers, Chris O’Shea, the CEO of British Gas owner Centrica, received an extravagant bonus of £4.5 million at the company’s annual meeting today.
At the AGM, it was also disclosed that profits for British Gas are projected to be “significantly higher” than expected during the first half of this year.
This revelation comes amidst an ongoing energy crisis that has left individuals struggling to afford their skyrocketing electricity and gas bills whilst Shockingly, Centrica’s profits for 2022 tripled, reaching an unprecedented £3.3 billion.
O’Shea’s eye-watering bonus comes on top of his already substantial annual salary of £790,000 and was given the green light by the majority of shareholders, representing 93% of the votes.
As households across the country grapple with the impact of rising living costs and economic uncertainties, the decision to grant such a significant bonus to O’Shea has raised eyebrows.
Sharon Graham, the general secretary of Unite workers’ union, expressed her dismay at O’Shea’s bonus. She remarked that the CEO must be “laughing all the way to the bank” while customers and employees suffer the consequences of British Gas’ actions.
