British gas use increased by 18% due to cold weather

Gas use in UK increased by 18% last year due to extremely cold weather.

07:49 14 May 2013

Centrica, the owner of British Gas, has confirmed that gas use from January to April of 2013 has increased by 18per cent compared last year due to exceptional cold weather. The company also confirmed that electricity use was up by 3per cent.

 

Centrica said that the company will use the profit boost to delay future price increase.

 

A spokesman said: "We will use that [cold weather benefit] to effectively hold prices for as long as possible."

 

However, the company’s income was negatively affected by the extremely cold weather due to an increased number of call outs. The bad economy also has an effect as supposedly few people are installing new heating systems.

 

But the company is confident that it will make full-year profits in line with forecasts.

 

Centrica's statement said: "Recognising the economic pressures facing many of our customers, the board has determined that any benefit arising from the exceptionally cold weather will be used to maintain our price competitiveness.

 

"As a result of this decision, we expect the residential energy supply business to deliver an operating profit for the full year in line with expectations, weighted towards the first half."