British Gas announces 3.8% price rise

• British Gas is raising gas and electricity prices by 3.8% for 3.5 million customers on its standard variable tariff from 1 October

• Customers will see their bills rise by £44 from £1,161 to £1,205 – the equivalent of £154 million nationwide

• This is British Gas’ second price rise in four months, adding a total £104 (9.4%) to customer’s bills

• British Gas’ standard tariff will now be £352 higher than cheapest deal on the market

• Households are urged to show energy companies they won’t be taken for granted and save up to £482 by switching supplier.

British Gas is hiking the price of its standard variable tariff by £44 from 1 October, adding a collective £154 million to the bills of 3.5 million households.

Commenting on the news, Rik Smith, Uswitch.com energy expert, says: “A second price rise from British Gas will be a major shock to customers still licking their wounds from the hike announced just four months ago. The last time British Gas issued more than one price increase in a single year was 2010.

“British Gas’ standard tariff was already one of the most expensive tariffs on the market. There’s now a feeling that British Gas is hiding behind Ofgem’s prepayment price cap increase, to hike its own prices again.

“The only silver lining is that households are switching and saving in greater numbers than ever before. So far this year 2.7 million people have voted with their feet and ditched their supplier. Switching is quick, easy and could save households up to £482 a year – far more than any cap has predicted.”

Find out how you could save over £1,000 a year with Uswitch here.