Watchdog and charity attack British Gas

Consumer watchdog Energywatch and Age Concern have slammed Britsih Gas after it reported profits of nearly £1bn just a day after raising gas prices by 35%. The company revealed the price hikes yesterday (July 30).

The utility giant also raised electricity prices by 9%, with dual fuel packaging increasing by 25%. Energywatch and Age Concern say the hikes could lead to more consumers suffering from fuel poverty.

Energywatch campaigns director Adam Scorer says British Gas customers will be “staggered” at the “rude health” of Centrica’s half year profits. He adds: “Numbers in fuel poverty will explode this year. Households will have some hard decisions to make about stretched budgets.”

Age Concern director general Gordon Lishman adds: “These price rises are a hammer blow for vulnerable groups, including thousands of pensioners, who have already seen their energy bills rocket far above the realm of affordability.”