Calls for the Government to axe green policies in the hope of bringing down the price of energy are "short-sighted and foolish", Business Secretary Vince Cable said. Energy company SSE increased tariffs yesterday by an average of 8.2% from November.
SSE, which has around 10 million customer accounts, blamed the increased cost of buying and delivering wholesale energy as well as Government levies collected through bills.
It said the latest increase, which is three times the rate of inflation, would come into effect from November 15.
The company, which trades as Southern Electric, Swalec and Scottish Hydro, said the hike equated to an average £2 a week for a typical dual fuel customer.
After SSE announces gas and electricity tariffs will prices will rise next month, other big energy firms refuse to rule out own price hikes.
Some tips on how to save money on your energy bills.