9 September 2011

Not one but two new energy suppliers announce a second price hike

So far this year, five of Britain's 'big six' energy suppliers have announced yet another price increase. E.ON and Scottish & Southern Energy (SSE) are the late

So far this year, five of Britain's ‘big six' energy suppliers have announced yet another price increase. E.ON and Scottish & Southern Energy (SSE) are the latest two companies to join this trend.

More price hike news regarding the energy industry will hit British users hard this winter, according to a leading comparison site.

From the 13th and 14th of September, E.ON and SSE are planning to increase the price of their energy services. This means that E.ON's average annual energy bill will go up from £1,123 to £1,293, an increase of £170 or 15%. SSE's average bill will increase by £171 (or 16%) to £1,265 per year.

In less than 12 months, five of the six biggest energy providers have announced a second price increase. Only EDF Energy has not announced a second price increase from this group yet.

New energy bills

In summary, and considering the second increase announced by the five major suppliers, average energy bills per year will look as follows:

British Gas – £1,286, Scottish Power – £1,391, E.ON will rise to £1,293 from the 13th September, npower will increase to £1,282 on the 1st October and SSE will be £1,265 from the 14th September. EDF Energy hasn't increased and is set at £1,118.

These figures are based on a user consuming 3,300kWh electricity and 16,500kWh gas a year on a standard plan.

"Moving to dual fuel, paying by direct debit and signing up to a competitive online plan will reduce the price you pay for your energy,” recommends Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer Policy at uSwitch.com.

"Those who are particularly worried about the impact of future price hikes on their household budget should still look at fixed price plans. Some of these offer good value and security until 2014 – you just have to be aware that if prices do go down again in the future you may not benefit.”

It is definitely a good idea to compare gas and electricity prices.