70% Worry About High Energy Prices

The recent rise in energy prices and the freezing weather across Briton has left the majority worry if they can afford their heating bills.

Three of the main energy suppliers in the UK, Scottish and Southern Energy, British Gas and Scottish Power, have recently raised their energy prices.

This coupled with the ongoing freezing weather has left some 70% of energy customers worried about how they can afford their heating bills this winter, according to research from moneysupermarket.com.

The research found that 40% of people are worried about the cost of heating their homes during the cold weather, up from 27% a year ago. Another 28% are already struggling with their bills, up 2% on 2009.

The average standard UK energy bills now stand at nearly £1300.

Many households are having to use more energy than normal to heat their homes as they battle with the freezing temperatures.

Looking for the best energy deal is crucial, not least as whilst 3 energy suppliers have increased their prices, others have currently opted for a different approach. EDF Energy for example have frozen their energy prices and E.ON have introduced a cheaper fixed price plan.

As Scott Byrom, energy manager at moneysupermarket.com comments: “Recent price increases could not have come at a worse time for cash strapped consumers. With many people stretching their budgets to the limit just to get by, the news that their energy bills are increasing at the same time the freezing weather hits has understandably meant many more people are worried about how they can afford to keep their homes warm this winter.

He added “consumers can fight back against price rises by voting with their feet and turning to a better priced deal.  The average saving by changing from the average standard deal to the best priced product on the market is £208. “