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LONDON, Dec 30, 2005 -- AFX News - UK
The cost of gas and electricity will soar again next year, adding 100 stg to the annual fuel bills of millions of British householders, The Daily Telegraph reported citing industry experts. If the predictions are right, it means the average gas and electricity bill will have risen by 50 pct in three years, the newspaper said. Watchdogs representing consumers described the threatened rises as "wholly unnecessary" and blamed lack of competition in the domestic energy market. The past year has been a tough one for households trying to balance the books. New figures published yesterday by the AA Motoring Trust show that the cost of petrol for a typical home has gone up by 200 stg, the average council tax for a Band D house has risen 50 stg and water bills have increased by an average 29 stg. Another rise in energy bills will only add to the misery. In 2003 gas prices went up by 18 pct, in 2004 they rose by 12 pct and this year they increased by 15 pct cent, according to the newspaper. About 11 million people will wake up to higher gas bills on New Year's Day when rises announced by nPpower and Scottish and Southern Energy in November come into force. newsdesk@afxnews.com ml/tc The copying, republication or redistribution of AFX News Content,inculding by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of AFX News. AFX News and AFX Financial News Logo are registered trademarks of AFX News Limited News Provided By |
