Consumers told they face bigger energy bills

Consumers typically use around 40 per cent of their annual energy consumption during the winter months, according to a study by MoneySupermarket.com, with the next average quarterly standard bill likely to hit well over £500.

The major providers announced price rises averaging 7.6 per cent between August and December, with these coming into effect between October 15 and January 18.

MoneySupermarket.com consumer finance spokeswoman Clare Francis said: “Many households will be dealing with a festive financial hangover this January so a huge energy bill will come as an unwelcome shock.

“A spate of price rises which mostly came into effect before the Christmas period saw the cost of energy increase by an average of 7.6 per cent, leaving many people worrying about the crippling costs they could face in the coming months.”

She urged consumers to consider moving onto a cheaper tariff, and also reminded those on fixed deals to be aware of when these ended.

She said: “Those languishing on their provider’s standard energy product should take action as quickly as possible. The typical saving they could make by moving to the best value fixed deal is £1,734. This saving would go some way to offset their costly winter bills, and by fixing their energy, they can safeguard against any future price rises over the term of the deal and ensure they don’t face the same bill shock after Christmas 2013.

“There are also simple things you can do to reduce the amount of energy you use at home. Turning your heating down by one degree, doing your washing at 30 degrees rather than 40 or 60, taking a shower rather than a bath will all reduce your energy consumption.”