Scottish and Southern and E.ON both increase prices

Commenting on Scottish and Southern and E.ON both increasing their gas and electricity prices, Scott Byrom, utilities manager at price comparison site moneysupermarket.com, said: "Energy bill payers will have little to cheer about this bank holiday and beyond. E.ON's increases of 26 per cent and 16 per cent to its Standard gas and electricity prices and SSE's price hikes from Monday of 19.2 per cent on electricity and 29.2 per cent on gas are a hammer blow to households.

"These two announcements show the energy giants are reeling from the rapid spike in wholesale gas prices - and now customers will have to pay.

"E.ON Standard dual fuel customers now face a £28 a month increase from this time last year and will be paying close to £105 a month.

"As soon as npower and Scottish Power make their expected moves, customers should jump on the best deal according to their consumption and region.

"Last month, EDF kicked off this year's second bout of price hikes by raising its Standard gas prices by 22 per cent and electricity by 17 per cent. British Gas then bumped up electricity by nine per cent and gas by a massive 35 per cent.

"While online tariffs always offer the best price in the market, those looking for reassurance against further price hikes could opt for a fixed tariff now - especially as Scottish Power has reduced its market leading fixed product to around £91 a month for medium users.

"Any consumers now concerned about their ability to pay their energy bills should seek help and find out more about social tariffs that might be available to them."