By SIMON BAIN BRITISH Gas owner Centrica went public yesterday on its interest in British Energy, but said the revival of an all-share merger plan would depend on support from all interested parties.

By JULIA HORTON SCOTTISH Gas customers will see their power bills rise by up to 35per cent in an increase branded "shameful" by ministers yesterday.

PRICES at Scottish Gas are set to rise by at least 15 per cent within weeks, according to industry sources. Centrica, the owner of Scottish Gas and British Gas, is reported to be struggling to keep its retail energy business profitable after wholesale gas prices trebled in the past year.

MILLIONS of households faced further pain yesterday after British Gas owner Centrica signalled it may have to make another hike in energy prices.

By MICHAEL BLACKLEY SCOTTISH Gas owner Centrica said today that profits for the year are expected to be hit by the increasing cost of wholesale gas. The company also hinted that it may be forced to pass on its cost pressures to consumers through another price rise in the current financial year.