EDF Raises UK Electricity Prices

French state EDF has announced slightly higher energy prices for its UK retail electricity customers on the standard variable electricity tariff, effective from June 7.

The standing charge for electricity will go up 2.7% to reflect higher fixed costs, EDF said April 12. But it has left prices unchanged for the 59% of its customers who are already on a fixed tariff, have a direct-debit gas only account, or are on the safeguard tariff or prepayment meter. And it has not changed its retail gas prices.

An EDF customer on a dual-fuel standard variable tariff (SVT) choosing to pay by cash or cheque will see a combined increase of £28 a year (+2.3%) to £1,248 ($1,772) a year.

This contrasts with the biggest UK energy retailer Centrica, which raised its SVT prices for electricity and gas by 5.5% earlier this week, with effect from May 29, blaming higher wholesale prices and government policies such as the installation of smart meters.

EDF Energy said however that it continues to face pressures with energy, policy and the costs of installing smart meters all increasing significantly since last summer. And it quoted Britain's energy regulator Ofgem as having said that costs have risen by an average of more than £57 over the previous six months.