British Gas raises prices by 15%

Gas, the UK’s biggest power provider, is to raise the amount it charges for gas and electricity by 15%.

The announcement followed increases from rivals Npower and EDF Energy, with the firms blaming high wholesale costs.

British Gas, owned by Windsor-based Centrica, said that it would make a loss this year without the price rise.

Consumer groups and the Unite trade union have criticised the move, saying it would make life harder for firms, the elderly and those on low incomes.