EDF Energy puts up power bills

EDF Energy is raising electricity charges by 2.6 per cent by for 1.2 million customers. The price increase will come into effect on 1 October and will affect households on standard tariffs in 11 of EDF's 14 regions across Britain, as well as those on its "Economy 7" tariff in three areas.

EDF said it reviewed regional electricity prices in response to recent increases in the cost of distribution and transmission. The price rise will affect 37 per cent of its electricity customers, and works out to an average of £10.82 a year extra per household. Customers on fixed-price deals and those with gas supplied by EDF will not be affected.

EDF claimed the move "better aligned" regional prices and followed a 16 per cent increase in transmission costs since its last price rise in March last year.