Which? 'shocked' energy bill price rises

Richard Lloyd of consumer group Which? has criticised the opacity and lack of competition in the energy market following increased gas and electricity prices in the UK.

He said: "Everybody knows that this is a market that is not competitive, not properly working for consumers".

British Gas, the UK's biggest energy supplier, raised its charges for both types of fuel by an average of 6%, adding £80 a year to the average dual fuel bill.

Npower will increase the price of gas by an average of 8.8% and electricity by 9.1% from 26 November.