7m face energy bill hike

Switch fears for elderly

MORE than seven million households will be hit by inflationbusting price rises in their energy bills.

Campaigners say the elderly and vulnerable will be hardest hit as they’re least likely to switch suppliers.

Npower yesterday said rises would come into effect on June 17. About a million customers on their standard variable tariff will see gas bills go up 4.4 per cent and electricity by 6.2 per cent, or 5.3 per cent for those on dual fuel deals. It will increase the average bill by £64 a year to £1230.

British Gas, Scottish Power and EDF Energy have also unveiled price hikes.

British Gas will hit their 4.1million standard variable tariff customers with a 5.5 per cent rise from May 29. Together, the four suppliers are putting up prices for almost 7.4million customers. E.ON’s rates have already gone up.

Simon Stacey, of Npower, blamed rising “wholesale and policy costs”.

Gillian Guy, of Citizens Advice, said that while the rise will not affect those on fixed rate deals, “vulnerable customers, including the elderly and people with mental health problems, are among those least likely to switch. They could be disproportionately affected.”

Comparison site Energyhelpline said: “No one should pay such high prices for energy. Switching may be a very effective way of bringing down bills.”