Fuel bills to jump £123 as last of big six raises prices

THOUSANDS of Scottish households will see an extra £123 a year added to their utility bills as the last of the “big six” energy companies raised its prices yesterday.

EDF said it would increase the price it charges for gas by 15.4 per cent and electricity by 4.5 per cent from November.

EDF, which has 5.5 million customers across the UK, has 111,000 customer accounts in Scotland – including 108,000 residential accounts.

The move comes weeks after the other major energy firms, which include Scottish & Southern Energy and ScottishPower, announced they would increase prices.

But EDF said its charges were still lower than its competitors. The average dual fuel bill across all six providers is now £1,287.80.

EDF Energy said it had held prices for as long as possible and the increase was the lowest level of any major supplier.

Consumer groups hit out atthe announcement, which will put a further squeeze on already stretched household budgets.

Trisha McAuley, depute director at Consumer Focus Scotland said: “As the last of the big six to put up prices, EDF Energy’s announcement will take the average energy bill to almost £1,300.

“It is disappointing they have followed the pack. It means more consumers in Scotland making tough decisions as we head into the colder months and millions of people cutting back on other essentials to keep warm.”

She added: “EDF Energy’s decision to follow the other energy companies in hiking up its energy prices is sadly all too predictable.

“This announcement will come as little surprise to EDF Energy customers who have watched one after another of the major suppliers announce similar increases,” added Richard Lloyd, executive director of Which?.

“With household budgets already squeezed and inflation rising, many people will struggle to heat their homes this winter.”