British Gas are increasing their energy prices from today by 18% for gas and 16% for electricity, effectively adding an extra £190 on to the average annual standard dual fuel bill.

Hannah Mummery, energy expert at Consumer Focus said: “Millions of customers will find themselves paying almost £200 more a year for their energy bills when these rises come into effect. This will put even more pressure on already stretched households and push many more consumers into fuel poverty.”

British Gas’ prices, which will increase from £1,096 to £1,286 as a result, come in earlier than any other power companies who have raised prices, with E.ON and SSE increasing tariffs in September and npower delaying until October.

Consumer Focus say that the rises are putting more pressure on stretched consumers as it is and that Ofgem needed to show who was boss. Ms Mummery said: “Consumers need to know whether prices are fair and the market is fully open, competitive and working in their interests. If Ofgem can’t guarantee this is the case, then the next stop must be the Competition Commission.”