The energy giant is the fifth of the ‘Big Six’ to announce a hike to its prices this winter.
The increase will take place on 3 December, when both electricity and gas will go up by 8.7%.
This news means 5 of the ‘Big Six’ have raised prices in recent weeks. E.ON have pledged to not increase prices in 2012.
ScottishPower were quick to blame higher wholesale costs, energy efficiency costs, and higher transportation costs.
Neil Clitheroe, chief executive of retail and generation, said: “We work hard to protect our customers and we regret that we have had to announce a price increase today.”
The 2012 rises now stand as follows:
- Scottish & Southern Energy – 9% on electricity and gas (15 Oct)
- British Gas – 6% on electricity and gas (16 Nov)
- NPower – 8.8% on gas and 9.1% on electricity (26 Nov)
- ScottishPower – 8.7% on electricity and gas (3 Dec)
- EDF Energy – 10.8% on electricity and gas (7 Dec)
- E.ON – No rise in 2012
You may like to compare this to the 2011 energy price rises, and subsequent (much smaller) decreases.
Adam Scorer, director of energy at Consumer Focus, said:
“Every time this happens it makes it difficult for consumers to believe that price rises are driven by real supply and demand issues. It feels as if companies raise prices in a pack because they see safety in numbers.”