Scottish Power has said it is to increase its domestic gas and electricity prices from 6 December 2013.

The company said the move follows a rise in wholesale energy costs, an increase in energy delivery charges and increased costs to support compulsory social and environmental schemes.

In a statement, the company said its dual fuel prices will increase by an average of 8.6%.

Gas prices will rise by an average 8.5%, with electricity prices surging by an average 9.0%.

This means the average annual duel bill for a customer will increase by £113.

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Neil Clitheroe, Scottish Power's CEO of Energy Retail and Generation, said: "The cost of purchasing and delivering energy to homes across Britain has risen significantly this year.

"With an increase in costs for delivering compulsory schemes to reduce carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency in homes, we unfortunately have no other option than to pass these on by increasing our prices for customers.

"We understand that these are difficult times for many families, and we have done what we can to hold our prices for as long as possible. Recently we announced a range of measures to help our most vulnerable customers this winter.

"We will now write to every customer who is impacted by the price increase, and we would encourage anyone who is concerned to contact us so we can discuss their options."

Scottish Power is the fourth of the six major energy suppliers to announce significant price rises in recent weeks.

(JP/CD)