British Gas Raises Prices Again—Because Energy Costs Are on a Fire‑Sale
Heads up: This is the second time this year that British Gas (backed by Centrica) has nudged up the bill for about 3.5 million customers. Starting October 1st, the Standard Variable Tariff (SVT) will see an average increase of £44.
Why the Hike?
Mark Hodges, Centrica Consumer’s CEO, put it straight:
“We get it—any price bump adds extra strain on your household budget. But the jump mirrors the wild surge in wholesale energy costs. Since April, several suppliers have raised their SVT rates, and Ofgem has pushed a second increase to the prepayment meter cap. The energy market now hosts over 70 players, so the competition is fierce. Our focus is on delivering compelling fixed and bundled deals to every customer.”
Fixed‑Rate Freedom
Good news for those who opted for a fixed rate: the SVT hike won’t touch the 2.4 million customers locked into fixed plans. Plus, new customers have been barred from the SVT since March, so the rise won’t affect fresh sign‑ups.
What It Means for You
- Expect an average rise of £44 in your energy bill from 1 October.
- If you’re on a fixed plan, you’re safe—no price jump for you.
- New customers should steer clear of the SVT; check out fixed or bundled options instead.
In short, the energy market is as competitive as a bargain bin on Black Friday. If you’re looking to keep your bill in check, now’s the time to explore those attractive fixed and bundled deals. Stay tuned—and keep those lights on!
