Post Author: Marghaid Howie, Gas and Electric Reporter

E.ON and Scottish & Southern Energy (incorporating Atlantic, Southern Electric, Scottish Hydro & Swalec) will raise their prices on 13th & 14th September respectively, leaving millions more energy customers with higher gas and electricity bills. Price hikes by Scottish Power and British Gas have already come into effect, and EDF Energy is now the only major supplier not to announce a price rise this summer.

So why has it all happened? Record wholesale gas prices, conflict in the Middle East and the introduction of new green taxes have all been cited as causes for the rising cost of domestic and business gas and electricity. There is no definitive answer, but the fact is that it has happened, and customers simply have to take matters into their own hands to protect their finances.

Despite the trend of rising prices, most customers can still save a great amount of money by switching energy tariff or supplier. EDF has so far held firm with its cheap fixed tariffs and online deals, although they could be withdrawn at any minute. And although Scottish Power has increased its standard rates, it has recently launched a cheap fixed tariff and a £30 cashback offer to entice customers.

With the typical bill approaching £1,300 per year after these price rises, households could save hundreds of pounds by switching to a cheaper tariff.