As energy deals end customers could get a shock

As fixed price energy deals taken out last summer come to an end, customers could be in for a shock increase in their energy prices.

As energy prices rocketed last year, many looked to fix their costs by taking out fixed price energy deals.

These deals are starting to end and as uSwitch.com points out people need to be particularly vigilant to ensure their costs don’t suddeny significantly rise.

Customers should not just move back onto a standard tariff or switch straight on to another capped or fixed energy deal.

Instead they should ideally shop around for the best energy deal.

Energy expert at uSwitch.com, Will Marples, said ‘Online energy plans are currently offering consumers the lowest prices, but just 15% – 1.3 million households – are signed up to one. I would urge anyone coming off a fixed plan in the near future to follow three simple steps to make sure they are getting a good deal: move to dual fuel, pay by direct debt and sign up to an online plan.’

If you do sign up to a new plan, make sure you check the small print as often they now carry an exit fee if you leave before the fixed or capped period ends.

Marples added ‘Fixed plans are definitely right for some customers, but in a time of potentially falling prices they could be the wrong move for many more.’

Currently, one of the cheapest online energy plan on the market is the British Gas Websaver 6, paying by direct debit.