E.ON announce January energy price hike

Monday, 10 December 2012 05:54

E.ON is the final one of the "big six" energy firms to announce price increases this winter. The new prices will come into effect on January 18th 2013.

It will increase the cost of gas by an average of 9.4 per cent and the cost of electricity by 7.7 per cent on average. This will mean the average annual dual fuel bill goes up by £100.

uSwitch estimates that customers who pay by cash or cheque will see their bills rise by an average of £110 to £1,370. Customers who pay monthly by direct debit can expect to see a £100 increase taking thie annual bill to £1,260.

E.ON were the last of the big six to raise prices this winter after making a pledge in May not to raise energy costs for the reminder of 2012. However, it was widely expected that this announcement would be made in December to take effect in January.

Tony Cocker, Eon UK’s chief executive, said: “We have held back from increasing our prices for as long as we possibly could.”

He added: "Let me be clear, I understand the reasons behind these increases as Britain seeks to reduce energy waste, and invest in both new lower carbon electricity sources and in new or improved gas and electricity networks.

"However, at a time when family finances are being squeezed hard and energy bills become a bigger part of the weekly spending, it is vital that everyone who takes a share of energy bills explains what that money is for and justifies those rising costs to customers."

Since October, each of the other five main energy firms have issued price increases of between six and 11 per cent for both types of fuel. SSE was the first, followed by British Gas, npower, Scottish Power and EDF.

Ann Robinson, director of consumer policy at uSwitch.com, said: “Eon deserves credit for holding out the longest before raising its prices and for at least protecting its customers to the end of this year. But, this hike is still a bitter blow for consumers, who will now ring in the new year with higher energy costs.”

 

 

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