E.ON is latest energy company to raise prices
(08 February 2008)

E.ON is the latest supplier to increase prices, raising gas by 15 per cent and electricity prices by almost ten per cent.

The energy supplier announced the raise yesterday becoming the fifth supplier to do so and blames wholesale costs for the rise.

Customers will start paying at the higher rate from today, with E.ON saying that the rise will cost the average customer over £110 a year.

The increase in prices will be delayed for vulnerable people, like prepayment meter and Age Concern Energy Services customers.

Price comparison website uSwitch says customers' average bills will go from £913 to £1,063, but households could save money by paying quickly.

Ann Robinson, director of consumer policy at uSwitch, said the move came as no surprise.

"E.ON has followed the rest of the market with an inflation busting price hike - a move that will shock few, but disappoint many, of its customers.

"We have now seen all but one major supplier increase prices, with an assurance from Scottish and Southern Energy that it will not put its prices up until at least the end of March," she said.

Ms Robinson urged customers to make the most of the competitive market to reduce their energy bills.