Osprey has become the latest UK charge point operator to raise its prices. In an email sent to customers, the firm explained that the tripling of wholesale electricity costs had prompted the hike in charging fees. 

The new pricing structure, which will come into effect from 25 July will see costs rise from 49p per kWh to 66 pence per kWh - a 35% increase. Unlike some other charge point operators, Osprey has a flat charging fee for all its chargers with account holders paying the same as contactless customers. In a statement, Osprey said that customers who use bank card will start seeing the new price from 25 July onwards, as it is rolled out across the brand’s charging points. This will be completed by 2 August. Osprey Account customers will see the new price applied to charging sessions made from 2 August.

Commenting on the increase, Ian Johnston, CEO of Osprey said: “We realise this comes at a difficult time when other costs are rising. We are actively lobbying the government, together with some of our charging network peers, to get the VAT rate for public charging reduced from 20% to 5% to match the home tariff.”

Osprey’s price rise follows similar increases across the charging network, with all operators struggling to cope with the unprecedented rise in wholesale costs. Earlier this month, Mer has increased its charging point prices by as much as 20 percent. At 66 pence per kWh, Osprey is now the second most expensive chargepoint provider behind IONITY, which charges 69 pence per kWh. 

Osprey customers will pay more to use the brand's chargers from later this month