Gas and Electricity prices to rise by as much as 10pc
09/08/2013
Energyhelpline has told consumers to brace themselves for massive energy price hikes which could be as high as 10pc. Britain’s ‘big six’ providers are all said to be readying for the price increases, which are expected to be announced on August 22. Energyhelpline, who help consumers find the best deal on gas and electricity, said “the volcano is about to erupt”, in a move which could add as much as £140 onto the average dual gas and electricity bill across the UK.
Spokesman, Mark Todd, said: “There are clear indications that energy price rises are close. I would not be surprised if they are announced within the next two months. In fact you could describe the energy market as a volcano about to erupt”.
The ‘big six’ energy companies, which include E.ON, Npower ,British Gas, EDF, Scottish Power and SSE, all hiked prices last winter in a move that was met by fierce opposition from consumers and politicians alike. Centrica, the company that owns British Gas, then went on to announce record profits after a winter with lower than average temperatures. Since then Centrica has said it will hold off any price increases for as long as possible, while also announcing plans to introduce free power to customers on Saturdays.
With energy poverty increasing in the UK, and prices rising far above the rate of inflation, energy companies have continued to blame tougher wholesale market conditions on the increases in the price consumers pay for energy.
However, Labour have claimed that the Prime Minster is “totally out of touch” with those struggling to pay bills. Profits for the big six energy companies combined have risen 73pc in only three years, while bills have risen by an average of £300.
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