Consumers and businesses will face higher electricity prices for years as a result of the greenhouse gas emissions trading scheme covering energy-intensive industries, while generators reap the profits, a report for the Department of Trade and Industry found yesterday.

By 2010 consumers are expected to pay 12 per cent more in real terms for their electricity than in 2004 because of a combination of emissions trading and fluctuations in fuel prices, while business customers will face price increases of between 23 and 28 per cent for their electricity in the same period.