Another 2.2 million households face higher energy bills after ScottishPower became the latest provider to announce gas and electricity price hikes.
The group said it will raise gas tariffs by 8.5% and electricity prices by 9% on average from December 6, adding another £113 to the typical annual dual fuel bill.
Spanish parent firm Iberdrola warned in third-quarter results yesterday that it had “no option” but to increase tariffs in the UK after claiming ScottishPower had been hit by the Government’s energy efficiency and environmental measures.
ScottishPower is the fourth of the Bit Six suppliers to reveal energy price increases so far this month, following British Gas, SSE and Npower.
Its bills blow also comes just days after ScottishPower agreed to fork out £8.5 million to customers following an investigation by regulator Ofgem, which uncovered mis-selling by its doorstep and telesales agents between 2009 and 2012.
ScottishPower said on average prices will rise by 8.6% across the board, but admitted customers in the South and South East will face average rises of 10.2%, while those in the Midlands will see tariffs increase by 9.3%.
“The cost of purchasing and delivering energy to homes across Britain has risen significantly this year,” said Neil Clitheroe, ScottishPower’s chief executive of energy retail and generation.
“With an increase in costs for delivering compulsory schemes to reduce carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency in homes, we unfortunately have no other option than to pass these on by increasing our prices for customers.”
Iberdrola yesterday said its UK retail and generation business suffered a £23 million operating loss in the first nine months of the year.
Environmental charges are thought to be driving up energy bills by an average of £112 per household a year.
ScottishPower said it has seen a 16% increase in the cost of environmental and social schemes.
But Energy Secretary Ed Davey slammed ScottishPower’s move to raise prices.
“It’s surprising that these companies think they can keep getting away with bill hikes of this magnitude,” Davey said.
“As more and more people shop around for the competitive deals on the market, some of which are offered by the independents, companies like ScottishPower can no longer put their bills up in this way with no consequences.”
Recommended for you
