Centrica shareholders revolt against executive pay The pay rebellion was also stoked by Centrica's plans - thought to have been given an "amber top" warning by the Association of British Insurers - to include non-financial criteria such as health and safety and "employee engagement" in determining bonuses. Sir Roger Carr, Centrica chairman, defended Mr Laidlaw's pay, insisting he did a "very complicated job." Centrica warned on Friday that British Gas customers" energy bills were likely to increase, as wholesale gas prices for next winter were 15pc higher than last year, and other costs beyond its control have risen. It is thought an average household bill could rise by at least £100. The company repeated its warning that it would not build new UK power generation unless the Government provided "urgent" certainty over energy policy. Sir Roger said an increasing proportion of Centrica's investment was "inevitably" being made abroad due to UK uncertainty on taxation and regulation, and it would only invest where it saw "attractive returns." Facing shareholder questioning over its possible 20pc stake in EDF's planned new nuclear build at Hinkley Point, Somerset, Mr Laidlaw said: "The investment case for nuclear has yet to be proven." Sir Roger said a reported 40pc rise in the cost of the reactors to £14bn was "certainly not the figure I have in mind," but added: "EDF are controlling the cost - we as partners have to be comfortable that this is a sensible cost on which we can make a return." That would also be dependent on Government guarantees of an appropriate price for power, he said.