Energy firm npower under fire after hiking its prices

energy: UK Government urges firm to justify rise in dual fuel bills

Npower has been criticised by the Government and energy regulator after announcing plans to raise gas and electricity prices by 9.8% – a move that will add £109 to annual dual fuel bills.

The Big Six energy firm said the move, which will affect 1.4 million customers on a standard variable tariff, comes in the face of rising wholesale energy costs and will come into effect on March 16.

Simon Stacey, managing director of npower’s domestic markets, said it was a “hugely difficult decision”.

But energy regulator Ofgem rebuked the firm, saying it does not see “any case” for significant price increases where suppliers have bought energy in advance, and demanded the company justify the decision.

An Ofgem spokesman said: “Our new supplier cost index shows that costs for energy suppliers have risen over the past year after having fallen for the previous two to three years.

“However, we don’t see any case for significant price increases where suppliers have bought energy well in advance.

“Npower must therefore justify the decision to its customers.”

Mr Stacey insisted npower “delayed the date this takes effect until after the coldest months of the year” and said its most vulnerable customers will not be impacted until May.

The Government also weighed in, with Prime Minister Theresa May’s spokesman saying: “Obviously, we are concerned by npower’s planned increases.

“The Government is committed to getting the best deal for households.

“Suppliers are protected from the recent fluctuations in the wholesale energy prices in which they are buying up to two years in advance.

“So we expect energy companies to treat their customers fairly, and are being clear that where markets aren’t working we are prepared to act.”

Npower’s price hike on typical dual fuel annual energy bills is made up of an average increase of 4.8% on gas and 15% on electricity.

The firm said another 1.4 million fixed rate and pre-payment customers will not be affected by the increase.

It said: “Since npower last raised its prices three years ago, there have been increases in wholesale energy costs and rises in the cost of delivering Government policies, such as smart metering, renewables obligation and the capacity market. “This trend is set to continue.” The move comes after rival EDF hiked prices in December.

Experts believe the company’s decision could be a precursor to other energy providers ramping up prices.

It comes at a difficult time for consumers, who will face soaring prices this year after the country voted for Brexit, resulting in the collapse in the value of the pound.

Inflation rose to a two and a half year high of 1.6% in December, and is expected to rise further over 2017 as the cost of imports soars off the back of the currency’s fall.