An industry watchdog yesterday confirmed that British Gas is destined to be the UK's most expensive supplier of electricity and gas from 1st March 2006.

Criticising the company's price increases of 22% this week, Energywatch revealed that the fuel bill for the average househould would now be over £1000 per year. Whilst it acknowledged that British Gas were increasing their schemes to help its most vulnerable customers, the watchdog maintained that the increases would move many thousands of people into fuel poverty.

Senior sources at British Gas have suggested that consumers will shortly see price increases of 25%, nearly ten times the rate of inflation, adding over £200 to the average bill.

Price rises of wholesale gas are being blamed for the increase although it is unsure whether British Gas is currently feeling the effect of these due its policy of purchasing bulk supplies against long term contracts.

An unregistered gas fitter who twice left worried householders with dangerous gas installations has been convicted of breaching Gas Safety and Health & Safety Regulations at Birmingham Crown Court.

Karl Ullah, from West Heath, Birmingham was sentenced to 240 hours community service and required to pay costs of £250.

Gas installers must be properly trained and CORGI registered. Each year 30 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by gas appliances and flues that have not been properly installed or maintained.