British Gas announces huge price hikes
Millions of households are facing more fuel bill misery after British Gas hiked up gas prices by 35%.
The energy supplier is also raising electricity prices by 9%, while average dual fuel prices will jump 25%. The price rises take effect immediately but British Gas said there would be no further price increases for its standard rate customers this year. The price rises will add an extra £262.80 a year to the average dual fuel customer's bill, or 72p a day.
Switch with Which?
Alison Morrison, of Switch with Which?, said: 'The news that British Gas has increased its electricity prices by 9% and gas prices by 35% will cause more concern for consumers already worried about the growing cost of their bills.
‘Coming swiftly after the price increase by EDF, we can be certain that more price increases by other energy companies will follow.'
‘Any customers who would like the security of knowing the size of their bills over the coming months, should consider a fixed or capped tariff.'
Energy prices
British Gas managing director Phil Bentley said: ‘We very much regret that we have had to make this decision at a time when many household budgets are already under pressure.
‘The simple fact though, is that we have entered an era of unprecedented high world energy prices.’
‘The only answer to cope with higher energy prices, I’m afraid, is for all of us to be more energy efficient and we will be contacting all our British Gas customers to show how they can save energy to try and offset these price rises.’
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