Almost one million Scottish Power customers to see bills rise

Scottish Power is to increase energy bills for almost one million customers by an average of 5.5% - or £63 a year.

The Glasgow-based company becomes the third of the 'big six' energy providers to hike prices this month.

It blamed the increase on rising wholesale energy costs, delivering greener electricity and upgrading meters.

About 960,000 homes, one-third of the customers supplied by Scottish Power, will be affected.

"Unfortunately our standard variable prices are increasing," said Neil Clitheroe, Scottish Power's retail chief executive.

"We will be contacting all customers affected by the price change to give them the opportunity to move to a fixed-price tariff alternative and avoid this increase."

The change to prices comes into effect on 1 June 2018.

Last week, EDF Energy raised prices for 1.4 million customers and British Gas increased energy prices for 4.1 million duel fuel customers .

Energy minister Claire Perry described British Gas' hike as "unjustified" and urged customers to defect to cheaper suppliers.

"Switching suppliers will always help consumers get the best deal, saving £308 by switching from a default tariff offered by the big six," Ms Perry said last week.