Gas consumption is up 20% on last year due to the prolonged cold weather, according to British Gas owner Centrica, which reported boosted profits from households.
However, the energy giant, which raised prices by 6% in December, just before the harsh weather set in, said that instead of pocketing the extra earnings it would use them to prevent any further price increases "for as long as possible".
In a trading update ahead of its annual meeting, Centrica said its British Gas residential business was on course to deliver full-year profits in line with expectations of £602 million – slightly down on last year due to higher costs.
"Against a background of sustained cold weather and periods of higher com-modity prices, Centrica has performed well in the year to date.We will use that to effectively hold prices for as long as possible."
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