Increase in energy prices predicted
Householders across the UK could see their energy bills increase by around £100 this year as gas and electricity providers hike up their prices, according to one price comparison site.
Moneysupermarket.com has warned that gas bills could rise by as much as 13.7 per cent in 2006, while electricity bills could rise by 12 per cent.
It identified npower and Scottish and Southern Energy as the two main culprits, but also predicted that other energy suppliers are likely to follow suit.
Utilities manager Paul Schofield commented: 'With plenty of cold winter months still to come, it looks like customers will bear a double brunt financially as the cost of keeping a house warm looks set to increase substantially in the New Year.'
To avoid paying more for their energy than they should, householders are advised to review their current utility costs and shop around for the cheapest deal they can find.
Consumers have also been advised to look at other ways they can keep their bills down, such as considering dual fuel options, paying by direct debit, or managing their bills online. | 
