Households face price hike of up to £193 as energy plans end next week

Consumers on 16 popular fixed energy deals could see bills rise by up to £193 a year unless they take action to switch tariffs, uSwitch.com has warned.

Customers on fixed deals that expire at the end of September and October could otherwise be automatically transferred onto a more expensive roll-over tariff, resulting in an average rise of £116 a year.

Tom Lyon, energy expert at uSwitch.com, says: “Fixed deals give consumers certainty about what they pay for their energy and protect against any unexpected price hikes. But several fixed plans are expiring - just when we are about to put the heating back on. If no action is taken consumers could end up with a bill increase of as much as £193 a year. With the nights already starting to draw in, now is the perfect time to switch and save money before temperatures drop.

“Small suppliers have consistently given the big six a run for their money this year by offering some of the cheapest deals on the market – with some at less than £1,000.  For example, Extra Energy’s ‘Fresh Fixed Price Oct 2015’, allows you to lock into a deal of £990 a year, while First Utility’s ‘iSave Fixed October 2015’ plan costs £992, also fixed until October 2015. Alternatively, EDF Energy’s ‘Blue+Price Promise March 2016’ tariff offers security until March 2016 at an average cost of £1,039 per year.

“By planning ahead, customers can avoid being rolled over onto a potentially more expensive tariff, and instead find a better deal before the cold weather starts to bite.”