Citizens Advice has responded to British Gas announcing that it will raise the price of its annual dual fuel standard variable tariff by 7.3%, with electricity bills rising by 12.5%, from 15 September.

Chief Executive of Citizens Advice Gillian Guy said:

“Customers of all large energy firms have now seen their bills rise this year so it is clear that something needs to change.

“British Gas has in recent years been offering one of the less expensive standard variable tariffs from a larger firm, but today’s price rise will close this gap and hit long standing customers hardest. This price rise has been issued despite costs for energy firms dropping in recent months.

“It is positive that British Gas has chosen to credit 200,000 of its most vulnerable customers with £76 to offset its price rise this winter - but this underlines the need for long-term solution to protect loyal customers of all firms.

“Capping energy bills for those eligible for the Warm Home Discount would protect the poorest families and pensioners across the board - which is why Ofgem’s proposed safeguard tariff is the right approach. We want this to be matched by the introduction of yearly targets for suppliers to move their customers off the more expensive standard variable tariff - and a deadline after which anyone who hasn’t switched for 3 years would also have their bills capped.”

Centrica plc increases the price of electricity on the British Gas standard 

Notes to editors

1. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local Citizens Advice, all of which are independent charities, the Citizens Advice consumer service and national charity Citizens Advice. Together we help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more see the Citizens Advice website.
2. The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.
3. To get advice online or find your local Citizens Advice in England and Wales, visit citizensadvice.org.uk
4. You can get consumer advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 or 03454 04 05 05 for Welsh language speakers.
5. Local Citizens Advice in England and Wales advised 2.5 million clients on 6.2 million problems in 2014/15. For full service statistics see our publication Advice trends.
6. Citizens Advice service staff are supported by more than 21,000 trained volunteers, working at over 2,500 service outlets across England and Wales.