ScottishPower prices rise by 7%

Caroline Flint MP, Shadow Energy and Climate Change Secretary has slammed the latest round of price hikes by the energy giants. Reacting to ScottishPowers decision to raise energy bills, she said:

Adam Scorer from Consumer Focus, has criticised the "safety in numbers" approach to energy price rises and the impact it will have on energy customers over winter. He said:

"The volley of price hikes all coming in during the winter period will fuel consumers concerns about the energy market."

"This does not mean that wholesale price pressures are not real, that companies don't need to make a profit or that companies should not act to minimise the impact of a price rise on their reputation."

"The fundamental issue on consumer trust is whether or not price rises are justified. No-one welcomes a price rise. But when half the market raises prices in just four days, consumers will question whether this is in response to volatile commodity costs or just pack behaviour."

ScottishPower blamed the increases on costs, for transporting gas and electricity to homes and the price of energy efficiency programmes. Neil Clitheroe, chief executive of retail and generation said:

Millions of households will see gas and electricity prices rise by an average of 7%.

ScottishPower has announced rises will start early December and customers paying by monthly direct debit will pay an extra £2 per week.

• A monthly Direct Debit customer will see an increase of 8.7% with a new average annual dual fuel bill of £1,271
• Quarterly Cash or Cheque customers will see an increase of 1.4%, with a new average annual Dual Fuel bill of £1,368

• Prepayment customers will see an increase of 8.6%, with a new average annual bill of £1,349

ScottishPower has announced increases for its domestic gas and electricity prices by an average of 7%.