British Gas 12.5% price hike sees many switch providers

PLANNED electricity price rises of 12.5% for homes signed up to British Gas are now forcing many householders to start switching providers.

Dual fuel costs with Centrica-owned British Gas show bills are forecast to shoot up by an average of £76 to £1,120. Since that increase was announced, energy comparison websites have reported up to 150% more utility payers deciding to jump ship to try to avoid soaring bills.

Some working in the energy business say there is little competition to keep down the cost of domestic bills, while others blame price increases on Government interference in a liberalised energy market – and this has led to poor green energy policies doing little to solve climate change.