EDF utility prices on the up

By HELEN LOVELESS, MAIL ON SUNDAY ENTERPRISE EDITOR
Updated:

 

MILLIONS of EDF Energy customers are set to see household bills rise for the second time this year.

From 13 September electricity prices will increase by an average of 3.8%, while the cost of gas will go up by an average of 3.5%.

The move will also affect householders with SWEB Energy, London Energy, Seeboard Energy and VirginHome Energy, all of which are trading companies with EDF.

The group is one of the three largest energy suppliers in Europe. In March of this year it put up prices by an average of 6.7% and 4.6% for electricity and gas respectively. Taken together, this means customers have seen average increases of 10.5% for electricity and 8.1% for gas in the last six months alone.

According to consumer watchdog Energywatch, the move will add around £30 a year to the gas bill of London households and £29 to the cost of electricity. This is based on a four person family in a three or four bedroom semi-detached house.

Based on the same circumstances, it estimates EDF Energy electricity customers in Cornwall will see bills go up by an average of £30 from £273 to £303, and by £23 from £316 to £341 for gas users.

And in Birmingham users can expect their annual gas bill to rise by around £29 from £364 to £393, with the cost of electricity increasing by £25, from £246 to £271.

It has been a bad year all round for utility customers across the UK. In July, households that had been with Atlantic Electric and Gas for more than six motnhs saw gas bills soar by around 18%, in a move the company said was necessary to 'bring them in line with new customers'.

Also in July, Powergen increased its tariffs for both gas and electricity customers by around 3%. British Gas and nPower are among the other suppliers who have also hiked rates at least once this year.

Allan Asher, chief executive of energywatch, said: 'EDF Energy's latest price rise is more bad news for energy consumers. One after another, energy companies are increasing their prices to consumers and blaming the wholesale gas and electricity markets or the extra costs of environmental obligations.'

In response energywatch has issued a five point checklist which it says can be used by consumers to help them save money. Tips include:

• Switching supplier

• Making your home more energy efficient

• Cut out energy waste, use only when you need it

• Pay by direct debit rather than prepayment meters

• Read your own meter and challenge suspect bills

Depending on your circumstances you may also be eligible for a grant towards your fuel bills. The Energy Efficiency Advice Network has advice and information on this. Call 0800 512012.

Energywatch also has details of the different suppliers and the average cost of bills in different regions on its website, which can be used by consumers to compare costs. Go to www.energywatch.org.uk or call 08459 060 708

Consumers looking to reduce the size of their bills can compare the cost of gas and electricity, from a range of suppliers by logging on to www.uSwitch.com, an online comparison service.

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