PRESS ASSOCIATION -- Some 3.3 million Npower customers are facing higher energy bills after the company became the latest utility provider to hike its prices.
Average tariffs for gas will increase by 15.7% and electricity by 7.2% from October 1, Npower said, meaning the average monthly direct debit dual-fuel customer will see bills increase by 12.2% - an additional £134 a year.
The fourth largest provider in the UK blamed rising wholesale prices on the global market and a commitment to invest in future energy supplies.
The price hike comes at a time when household budgets are being stretched by the high cost of living and muted wage growth. Figures confirmed inflation in July increased to 4.4% from 4.2% the previous month.
Npower is the fifth of the "big six" providers to announce a price hike, following Scottish and Southern Energy, Scottish Power, British Gas and E.ON. EDF is yet to announce changes to its tariffs.