SSE plc (LON:SSE) has joined a host of major energy suppliers in announcing an increase in electricity prices this year.
The company today said typical dual fuel customers will pay an average of £73, or 6.9%, a year more from 28 April. The hike equates to about £1.40 per week following an average 14.9% rise in electricity prices. SSE will keep gas prices at current levels.
“The price change reflects the increasing cost of supplying electricity, and specifically higher costs associated with delivering vital government programmes designed to upgrade Britain's ageing energy infrastructure and help the country move towards a low carbon future,” SSE said in a statement.
Will Morris, managing director for retail at SSE, said it marked the first increase since 2013. He said the company has tried to keep prices down by cutting its own costs, implementing a winter price freeze and holding gas prices, but has seen significant rises in electricity costs that are out of its control.
"We know that any increase can add extra pressure on customers' bills so we're launching a £5mln fund to provide assistance to those who are struggling with their bills, in addition to the existing £46mln that SSE already spends helping customers through the Warm Home Discount, he said.
SSE is the last of the big energy firms to announce its plans for bills this year.
E.On last week said customers will pay an extra 13.8% in electricty prices and 3.8% more for gas.
EDF customers will be hit by an 8.4% rise in electricity bills but gas prices will fall 5.2%.
Npower plans to raise electricity prices by 15% and gas prices by 4.8%.
Scottish Power has announced customer bills will rise 4.7% for gas and 10.8% for electricity.
In contrast British Gas will keep its gas and electricity prices on hold until August.
Shares in SSE fell 0.61% to 1,494p in morning trading.