FIRST MINISTER Jack McConnell yesterday warned energy companies to “think again” before imposing huge price rises on customers, writes Steve Bargeton, political editor.

In parliament yesterday, MSP Elaine Murray asked if ministers had been in discussion with British Gas over a reported increase of 25%.

“I would also urge them in advance of making final decisions, or of confirming those decisions publicly, to think hard and to think again about the scale of increases that were being suggested earlier this week,” said Mr McConnell.

Scottish Socialist leader Colin Fox also hit out at the proposed rises and said, “Given that the gas companies like Scottish Power have just posted 95% profit rises this quarter, does the First Minister agree with me that the proposed 25% price increases in gas are unjustified?”

He urged the First Minister to act, and said, “Will he intercede to ensure that there is an immediate price freeze and also accept the case for providing Scotland’s pensioners, at real risk of hypothermia this winter, with free fuel.”

Mr McConnell replied, “I absolutely agree with Colin Fox that these companies need to think again about such large increases.

“I don’t pinpoint particular companies in that because they are currently just speculation.

“But I hope all the companies involved think very hard and think again about the scale of increases that was being suggested earlier this week.”

However, he said it was not the Executive’s job to run utility companies.