UK-based utilities are planning to increase prices for the second time in 2008, with possible increases of a maximum of 25% on utility bills in the summer, reported The Observer. The news source reported that this will come as a rude shock for UK households who are yet to recover from the 15% increase, earlier in 2008. Additionally, the UK’s primary gas supplier, Norway, has warned the UK regulatory body Ofgem and government officials that the UK is not its top priority for gas exports. The Norwegian pipeline company Gassco has reportedly stated that, given its long-term supply contracts with continental European distributors, the UK cannot depend on it for gas supplies. Industry analysts estimate that with dwindling North Sea reserves, the UK will have to depend on Norway and Russia for almost 50% of its gas needs by 2010. This could reportedly undermine the UK’s energy security and push millions of British households into fuel poverty, as fuel costs rise.

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