British Gas boss Phil Bentley defends price rise

British Gas customers are to face an increase of 7% in their gas and electricity bills from 10 December.

The company has blamed rising wholesale prices for the increases.

Customers on standard and variable tariffs will see average bills rise about £1.50 per week.

Scottish and Southern had previously announced that customers would see their bills rise by 9% from next month.

In contrast, EDF has said that energy prices for its customers will be fixed until at least March next year.

Phil Bentley, Managing Director of British Gas, defended the move and said the company would try and help those who struggled to pay the bills.