The company is the latest major utilities provider to raise their rates, during a period that has now seen five of the 'big six' energy suppliers execute double digit price rises. In each case, the moves have been blamed on increasing wholesale costs and the current exorbitant price of crude oil.
E.on(www.eonenergy.com), formerly known as Powergen, has agreed to delay the price rises for 670,000 vulnerable customers until 1st April, in order for them to see out the winter on their existing tariffs.
Graham Bartlett, managing director of E.on, justified the price hikes in the following way:
‘We realise the impact this price increase will have on our customers and we're doing everything we can to minimise this. Our announcement has been made in response to sustained pressures from the wholesale market.’
Mr Bartlett did offer E.on customers a glimmer of sunlight amid the dark clouds:
‘We are offering a new product to allow more customers to join the half a million already benefiting from protected prices, while also helping those customers who are most in need.’
Chris Eagle, Commercial Manager at EnergyChoices, urged E.on customers to check their eligibility for these new deals:
‘If, as an E.on customer, you feel that you might qualify for the E.on vulnerability scheme, then get in touch with them immediately. Otherwise you may miss out on savings that you’re entitled to.’
