Business/Finance
Power To The People… For An Extra 18.4%
Thursday, August 17th, 2006 at 12:46 by Simon KimberFor the second time this year energy provider Powergen has announced a hefty increase of its domestic energy prices. This time round gas prices are going up 18.4% and electricity up 9.7%, effective August 21.
The last increases, back in February, were 24.4% and 18.4% respectively. Those rises added over £160 to the average household’s annual combined energy bill, so expect another £100 odd this time.
Powergen blames the rises on the wholesale cost of gas which has shot up by nearly 90% since the beginning of last year. The UK’s own gas supplies have run out far sooner than expected, making Britain almost completely reliant on imported gas. This comes from unscrupulous European monopolies accused of (and under investigation for) artificially inflating gas prices by holding back supplies.
As a kid, I always thought my Dad was over-reacting while he shouted at me for leaving a light on “Again!”. But if the current trend continues we’ll soon be forced to choose between leaving a light on or buying food to put on the table. As for cooking that food… Sandwich anyone?
Keywords: Electricity, Gas, Powergen