Energy giant EDF hikes bills for the second time in only three months

BIG Six energy firm EDF has announced a second price rise in only three months, adding another £70 to annual bills.

The French-owned company is putting up its dual fuel standard variable tariff (SVT) by an inflation-busting 6 per cent, taking the average yearly bill to £1,228.

EDF and other suppliers blame a rise in the wholesale cost of energy and the impact of government policies, such as subsidising the building of wind farms. A recent cascade of price increases by energy firms is squeezing customers, with one estimate suggesting they will add more than £650million a year to the nation’s gas and electricity bills.

In April, EDF decided to increase its penalty charges on customers who pay by cash or cheque from £12 to £90 a year. It is the second of the Big Six energy firms to announce two price rises within a short period and there are fears others will follow suit. The rises have sparked fears energy firms are trying to negate the benefits of the Government’s promised price cap on rip-off SVT deals.

Martin Lewis, of MoneySavingExpert.com, said: ‘EDF is sneaking this through while the sun’s shining hoping most people’s focus will be on the football and the weather rather than its price hike.’ Citizens Advice Scotland energy spokesman Craig Salter said: ‘Two price increases in just months will come as a major blow to households who are struggling to pay their energy bills.’

Béatrice Bigois, EDF Energy’s managing director for customers, said: ‘Customers who wish to avoid this increase will be encouraged to choose one of our fixed-price tariffs.’