Record rise fuels poverty worries

Powergen has announced the largest ever single price rise of 24.4% for gas. Together with 18.4% for electricity, it takes the average Powergen bill up to £613 for gas and £381 for electricity.

Adam Scorer of Energywatch said the size of these rises was appalling and a staggering blow for the six million Powergen customers across Britain. He said: “Laying claim to the biggest percentage rise in energy bills is nothing to be proud of. It is further proof that the market is not delivering price protection for Britain’s energy users.

“The biggest concern has to be the impact of these latest price-rises on low- and fixed-income consumers.