Scottish Hydro to increase gas and electricity prices by 8.2% Energy company SSE is increasing gas and electricity prices by an average of 8.2%. The company which trades as Scottish Hydro, Southern Electric and Swalec, is the first of the major suppliers to announce a rise this autumn. It blamed the increased cost of buying and delivering wholesale energy, as well as Government levies collected through bills. The latest increase for the company's 10m customers will come into effect from November 15. SSE said the hike equated to an average £2 a week for a typical dual fuel customer. Managing director Will Morris said: "We're sorry we have to do this. We've done as much as we could to keep prices down, but the reality is that buying wholesale energy in global markets, delivering it to customers" homes, and government-imposed levies collected through bills - endorsed by all the major parties - all cost more than they did last year. Eighty five per cent of a typical energy bill is made up of costs outside our direct control and these costs have increased. So far this year we have made a loss from supplying energy as a result of the higher costs we have been facing and continue to face. The company said there is help available to families who struggle with the increase in cost. Mr Morris said: "We understand and regret that this will add to the pressures on household budgets, but there's a lot we can do to help. Rising unit prices do not have to mean rising bills and there remains huge potential for customers to save money by improving further their energy efficiency. There's also real financial and practical support available to those who need it most. I would urge any customer worried about their energy bills to contact our team on 08000 727 222 so that we can find ways to help them. Rising energy bills have become a key political issue after Ed Miliband pledged that he would freeze tariffs if elected Prime Minister. Following Thursday's announcement, the Labour leader tweeted: "New electricity and gas price rises announced today show the need to freeze bills. We need an energy market which works for ordinary families and businesses. Shadow energy secretary Caroline Flint said: "When times are tough, energy companies should be helping their customers not hitting them with more price rises to boost their profits." The Scottish Government said they would look at the possibility of freezing prices in an independent Scotland.