13 March 2006
The energy supplier npower has increased the cost of its gas and electricity prices.
It increased its gas prices by 15%, with the cost of buying electricity from the supplier seeing a 13.4% increase.
The price rise is the second from the company since the start of the year and means that its prices have increased by 58% since 2004.
Gas prices are set to rise by around £70 on average for npower's six million customers, with energy costs up by £43. The average annual energy bill for those with npower will rise to £898.
According to the independent switching and comparison site uSwitch.com 58,000 people will be added to the number of people in the UK in fuel poverty as a result of the latest increase.
Ann Robinson, director of consumer policy at uSwitch.com, said: "This is yet another bleak day for those who are already struggling to pay their energy bills.
"While it was inevitable that npower would raise their prices again this year, we are surprised and disappointed to see them doing this so soon after their last increase took effect.
"While it is worth noting that npower have protected their customers from the worst of the increases throughout the winter months, by deferring the implementation of their price rises, the fact remains that npower is now the third most expensive supplier in the marketplace for a standard product.
"The overall message to customers remains the same: it is important that they review their current deal to ensure it is still the most competitive tariff for them."
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