SSE has said it is to increase its household energy tariffs from 15 November 2013.

Customers of the energy firm will see an average rise of 8.2% in gas and electricity prices.

The company has said the rise is reflective of the higher costs of buying wholesale energy, as well as paying to deliver it to customers' houses, plus government levies.

The increase will affect around 4.4 million electricity customers and 2.9 million gas customers, not including those on fixed-price tariffs.

As a result, SSE's average annual standard dual-fuel energy bill will increase to £1,224.

The company last increased its prices a year ago and has issued a statement saying it will not increase them again before autumn 2014.

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Will Morris, Group Managing Director, Retail, said: "We're sorry we have to do this. We've done as much as we could to keep prices down, but the reality is that buying wholesale energy in global markets, delivering it to customers' homes, and government-imposed levies collected through bills – endorsed by all the major parties – all cost more than they did last year.

"Eighty five per cent of a typical energy bill is made up of costs outside our direct control and these costs have increased. So far this year we have made a loss from supplying energy as a result of the higher costs we have been facing and continue to face.

"We understand and regret that this will add to the pressures on household budgets, but there's a lot we can do to help. Rising unit prices do not have to mean rising bills and there remains huge potential for customers to save money by improving further their energy efficiency. There's also real financial and practical support available to those who need it most."

Mr Morris added that customers worried about their energy bills can contact the company on 08000 727 222.

(JP/CD)