Energy prices ‘could at least double’ over the next decade

British Gas owner Centrica yesterday said the wholesale price of gas and power for delivery next winter is around 25% higher than last year, but the price paid by households has yet to reflect this higher price. The company was last night accused of “preparing the ground for a second round of price increases” by price comparison website uSwitch.com.

Energy prices 'to rise 25%'

By Jamie Smith, UK Net Energy bills are set to go up by as much as 25 per cent over the coming months - which is set to leave many households struggling to pay them over the winter. This is according to price comparison site Uswitch, which claimed that this means gas and electricity bills are going to hit an all-time high later this year. Tom Lyon, energy expert at uSwitch.com, stated that it is "grim news" for consumers and many suppliers are already hinting at impending hikes.

Carbon policies will hit UK

By Julian Harris, City AM CLIMATE change policies proposed by a Westminster committee would harm UK companies, a leading manufacturers’ group will claim today. Recommendations from the climate change committee would commit the UK to a 30 per cent reduction in carbon emissions with no guarantee of peer countries following suit, the EEF said. International competitiveness and investment prospects for British businesses would take a severe knock if the government adopts the plans, it said.