British Gas owner Centrica reports 9% rise in profits

The long cold winter has helped increase profits for British gas owner Centrica, the biggest supplier of energy in the UK.

Centrica's profit rose 9% to £1.58bn for the period ending 30 June 2013, up from £1.45bn for the same period in 2012.

Meanwhile the residential arm of British Gas saw profits rise 3% to £356m, up from £345m a year earlier, following a 6% increase in its prices in November 2012.

Ben Geoghegan reports.