A Perth councillor has slammed recent rises in energy prices after receiving complaints from some of his constituents.
Alexander Stewart, leader of the Conservative group on Perth and Kinross Council, said there was “anxiety” after most of the energy firms hiked up their prices.
Npower joined the five main energy firms by announcing it will put up its prices for gas by an average of 15.7% and an average 7.2% for electricity from October 1. The company said the rises are because of the “volatile global wholesale market.”
ScottishPower’s gas prices rose by an average 19%, with its electricity prices going up by an average of 10%. British Gas also increased its prices this month, gas going up by 18% and electricity by 16%.
E.On will also increase its gas prices by 18% in September and electricity by 11%.
Mr Stewart said: “I have been contacted by a number of concerned constituents regarding the energy price hikes that have been introduced by many of the leading suppliers.
“There is some real anxiety within the community, especially from senior citizens and those on fixed incomes who proportionally spend more of their income on energy costs.”
He continued: “The 18% rise to the cost of standard gas and the 16% increase to standard electricity prices will add around £190 to the average cost of household’s annual bills.Save”With nine million residential accounts affected by this increase, UK consumers are collectively £1.7 billion worse off.”
While Mr Stewart sympathises with people affected by the price rises, he is advising residents to follow some suggestions on trying to save energy, including turning the central heating thermostat down.
“By reducing your room temperature by just 1C you could save an astonishing 10% on your annual heating bills,” he said. “Also, almost 25% of heat is lost via poorly insulated roofs. People should also invest in insulation it is cheap and cost-effective.
“Many free grants are available from local councils for pensioners and those on low incomes.”
Richard Lloyd, chief executive of the consumers’ association Which?, said that healthy profits would lead customers to question why price rises were needed.
“The Bank of England has predicted that rising utility bills will drive inflation to 5% by the end of the year, which will put more pressure on already squeezed households,” he said.
“It is critical that … all suppliers do more to help customers cut their energy bills, whether that is by getting on to the cheapest tariff or making their homes more energy efficient.”