Now Scottish Power raises energy prices

MORE than two million Scottish Power customers were warned yesterday that they face inflationbusting price rises of 8.7 per cent.

Households with a dual-fuel contract will see bills soar by more than £100 a year.

The firm is the latest of the ‘big six’ energy firms to put up prices. SSE introduced a 9 per cent increase this week, while British Gas is putting up prices by 6 per cent and Npower has announced an 8.8 per cent increase for gas and 9.1 per cent on electricity.

As the big energy companies tend to change prices at the same time it has fuelled suspicions they are operating as a loose cartel.

Adam Scorer, director of energy at the official customer body Consumer Focus, said: ‘Every time this happens it makes it difficult for consumers to believe that price rises are driven by real supply and demand issues.’

Ann Robinson of price comparison website uSwitch.com said 19 million households will be affected by price rises this winter.

Consumer groups are urging customers to hit back by moving to smaller suppliers which can offer savings of £200 or more.

Neil Clitheroe, Scottish Power’s chief of retail and generation, said: ‘For most of the year we have been absorbing increased costs. We will be writing to all customers explaining what the increase will mean for them.’