Energy prices

Both gas and electricity prices will see a steep increase next month. British Gas blames the rise on the unrest in the Middle East and North Africa, and the increased consumption in Asia.

The Department of Energy and Climate Change names eight sites it considers suitable for new nuclear power stations. Channel 4 News maps how the sites could meet Britain’s future energy demands.

Official figures reveal that May’s inflation rate remains at a two and half year high, as research shows that the poorest have been worst hit by rising food and drink costs.

Britain’s hard-pressed householders face a new blow, as the big power companies prepare a round of double-digit price rises. Faisal Islam says it will push up inflation and pressure interest rates.

The iconic steel electricity pylons that line motorways and spans valleys are due for a major makeover. As Tom Clarke reports, a competition is aiming to make the network more “visually pleasing”.

The publication of Chris Huhne’s ex-wife’s driving licence heaps more pressure on the Energy Secretary. Even Lib Dems are calling for him to stand down, as Victoria Macdonald discovers.

Amid warnings that serious unrest in Saudi Arabia could push oil prices to unheard-of levels, there are fears that the record price of Brent crude could put the brakes on the UK’s recovery.

Government subsidies to encourage power companies to burn wood are distorting the market for timber and forcing up prices in manufacturing and construction industries, Channel 4 News has learned.

The energy giant Centrica sees its profits rise by 24 per cent to £742million on the back of the coldest British winter in 100 years.

The Bank of England lowers its growth forecast and signals a rise in interest rates to tame inflation – but Faisal Islam says the Monetary Policy Committee cannot agree on the way forward.

In 21st century Britain, you would not expect people across the country to need food handouts to survive – particularly those with jobs. But that’s exactly what Political Editor Gary Gibbon finds.

As inflation rises to 4 per cent, Economics Editor Faisal Islam says an interest rate increase is likely in the next four or five months.

The price of petrol has hit a record high averaging 121.76p per litre. Channel 4 News has been speaking to a rural businessman about the crippling effect of soaring fuel costs.

The UK comes a step closer to using a brand new energy source after “substantial” flows of shale gas are found just a few miles inland from Blackpool Pleasure Beach, writes Siobhan Kennedy.

UK energy suppliers are to be investigated by the industry watchdog after the regulator said profit margins had risen 38 per cent. Campaigners tell Channel 4 News the probe is long overdue.