Energy prices expected to rise again

Following SSE’s announcement of a 8.2% increase in domestic bills, consumer groups now predict that UK’s other major energy suppliers will follow.

13:36 11 October 2013

SSE, which is made up of Southern Electric, Swalec and Scottish Hydro, has announced that due to costs that were beyond its control, its average annual dual fuel energy bill would increase by £106 to £1,380 on 15 November. Now, consumer groups predict that other UK’s other major energy suppliers will follow suit.

 

Citizens Advice chief executive Gillian Guy said: "This price rise will be a blow for stretched budgets.”

 

"I hope other energy firms show an understanding of their customers' financial situation by not raising their prices this winter.

 

"Many households are facing a daily battle try to make their frozen incomes cover mounting energy, food and travel costs. Further increases will push people into poverty."

 

According to SSE, 8.2per cent was an average rise. A 7per cent increase will be applied to customers in central Scotland and in the North of England. However, customers in the South East of England would see the biggest increase by up to 9.7per cent.

Meanwhile, SSE’s Will Morris said that they are sorry that they have to do this. He said: "We've done as much as we could to keep prices down, but the reality is that buying wholesale energy in global markets, delivering it to customers' homes, and government-imposed levies collected through bills - endorsed by all the major parties - all cost more than they did last year."