2 March 2011

Consumers Facing Price Hikes As Household Energy Bills Rise

Household energy bills are forecast to leap, causing consumer alarm.

Energy suppliers have added a total of £630 million onto household energy bills, according to new research.

Figures from uSwitch, independent price comparison website, found that all six of Britain's big energy suppliers have increased their prices. EON, Npower, Scottish Power, SSE, EDF Energy and British Gas have all risen their prices by an average of £63. Almost 28 million customers have been affected by the price hike, with the average annual bill now going up to £1,132.

"EDF Energy will become the last of our big six suppliers to increase its prices, but at least by holding off until March it protected its customers through the coldest months,” commented Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer Policy at uSwitch.

EDF Energy have announced today that their gas tariffs are increasing by £40 an their electricity tariffs by £32.

British Gas increased prices by 7 per cent in December and the company posted a massive 24 per cent profit last week. This brings a two-year price fall for customers to an end. Prices peaked in January 2009 and now they are just £21 lower.

Cheaper Energy Bills

Since the beginning of 2008, customers are now paying 38 per cent more a year for their household energy bill. The difference between the cheapest and most expensive energy plan is £316.

Scottish Power's standard plan is at £1211 and British Gas Websaver 11 is at £895. Only 13 per cent of the nation are on the cheapest energy tariffs and Ofgem is looking into shaping up the market.

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