Energy supplier Scottish Power has announced an average price rise of 7 per cent in electricity and domestic gas prices, effective from 3 December 2012.
The energy firm has blamed increased costs, including a 34% increase in the cost of delivering Government schemes (e.g. – energy efficiency programmes) for this energy price rise.
This price hike will affect around 2.3 million households across the UK and as a result, a monthly Direct Debit customer will see an increase of 8.7%*, with a new average annual Dual Fuel bill of £1,271. This price announcement takes place in a time where many people are already having financial difficulty and concerned about how they will afford to heat their homes this winter.
Scottish Power is the 4th supplier to announce a hike in energy prices following SSE’s announcement in August that they would be rising gas and electricity prices by 9% with effect from today and announcements from British Gas and nPower last Friday (12 October).
Kate Rose, Head of Energy says “After the announcements from British Gas and nPower last week, we’re not surprised that yet another of the ‘Big 6′ have announced price hikes today; as like in previous years, once one goes they all tend to follow.
This news however will be a serious blow to millions of households who are already concerned about ever increasing living costs, especially given that this latest rise will come in to effect just a few weeks before Christmas.
Three easy steps customers can take to lower their energy costs and make sure they are paying as little as possible are; getting your gas and electricity supplied by the same supplier (dual fuel), paying by direct debit and switching to online account management. We also suggest customers look at opting for a fixed price or capped tariff which can offer price security.”
