British Gas supplier of the popular web tariff websaver 12 has begun notifying its customers it will raise domestic tariffs for gas by an average 18%1, and for electricity by an average 16%1, on 18 August 2011.
British Gas aims to offer competitive prices and protect customers from cost increases in the wholesale market as far as possible. Which should be relevent for their Websaver 12 energy tariff But the company cannot continue to make a loss on the energy it sells, as it needs to be a profitable business in order to invest in future sources of energy for Britain. The company is investing around £1.5billion this year alone in securing new sources of energy for its customers.
British Gas is offering customers a number of ways to help off-set the rise and keep energy bills under control:
1. Free loft and wall cavity insulation: energy and HomeCare® customers can save around £145 with loft insulation and £110 with wall cavity insulation each year3
2. EnergySmartTM:, a free online service, which includes a free energy monitor, and can save the average household up to £125 each year4
3. Flexible payment terms: paying by direct debit can save the average household around £67 each year and customers can pay more in some months and less in others5
British Gas Managing Director, Phil Bentley, said:
"We know there is never a good time to raise prices, but we are buying in a global energy market and have to pay the market rate."Rising wholesale costs is an issue facing all energy suppliers. Our advice to customers is to wait and see what happens in the energy retail market as a whole before making any decisions about switching supplier.
"In the mean time, they should get in touch with us and ask about the simple ways we’re offering to help keep bills under control."
