EDF Energy has become the latest company to increase its energy prices.

One of the UK’s largest energy companies and part of the world’s largest power groups, EDF Energy, is the latest company to increase its prices for domestic gas and electricity users, with an increase announcement of just under £100 per year for annual household bills.

This follows the price increase from npower at the beginning of the year – an announcement that industry experts believed would encourage other energy companies to follow suit.

EDF Energy’s 5.5 million customers will face up to a 7.9% rise in electricity costs, and a 12.9% rise in gas prices. The company stated that the price rise was driven by three reasons: the increase in the wholesale price of energy – which has risen 117% for gas and 90% for electricity since February 2007; energy distribution cost increases; and energy efficiency obligation plans.

Eva Eisenschimmel, EDF Energy’s Chief Operating Officer Customers Branch, said:
“We regret any decision to raise our prices. Despite soaring wholesale energy prices, higher distribution costs and increased environmental obligations, we have been able to substantially limit the impact on our customers. We will continue to work very hard to mitigate the effect of rising costs for our customers through energy efficiency advice and our range of products…”

The new energy prices will come into effect on Friday 18 January.