Energy giant and owner of British Gas, Centrica, have reported that it is on track to make £1.4 billion after tax profit in 2012.

In a report to shareholders today Centrica said that the company was on track to make a six percent increase on profits from 2011 despite reduced business in certain departments due to the global recession.

Subsidiary British Gas announced an increase in energy prices in October which followed increases from other energy firms.

The shareholder report comes during an investigation by the FSA over an industry whistle-blower’s claims that energy markets have been manipulated.