British Gas apologises for boozy bash

LONDON (Reuters) - British Gas-owner Centrica has issued an apology after a social event, meant to brief staff on how to explain its 35 percent price rise to irate customers, ended in a drunken brawl.

The Sun newspaper reported almost 1,000 Centrica employees were entertained at Wednesday's 250,000-pound event by comedian Jimmy Carr who joked: "I've put up my fee by 35 percent just like you".

The night started with a champagne reception followed by a four-course meal, one manager told the Sun on Friday.

"On each table was a bucket filled with bottles of Budweiser lager and red and white wine. There was a also a free bar. Back at some of the hotels there were punch-ups because everyone got so drunk," the manager said.

The 35 percent hike was Centrica's second price rise this year and British Gas Managing Director Phil Bentley, as part of the apology, said the briefing in Birmingham had been organised to prepare staff for Thursday's announcement of the increase.

"At such a difficult time for our customers, we need our staff to understand why energy prices are rising and what support is available to help our customers cope," said Bentley in a statement.

"However, we're deeply disappointed with the behaviour of a few individuals who let us and our customers down after the briefing ended, for which we sincerely apologise."

Centrica said it had been "absolutely necessary" to raise household gas prices as first half operating profit fell nearly 20 percent to 992 million pounds.

Recent sharp increases in fuel bills, together with large profits announced by energy companies, have fuelled calls for a windfall tax on their earnings.

(Reporting by John Joseph; Editing by Steve Addison)