npower push energy costs up 5.1%

Gareth Kloet, head of household comments: "NPower has given households yet another reason to fear the January bills hangover, announcing a price hike just before Christmas.

"Customers have been given less than a month's notice to prepare for the rise that will see the cost of energy rise 5.1%, meaning the standard bill will increase from £1,196 to £1,261. Npower is the fifth Scrooge of the "Big 6" providers choosing to cash in on winter fuel usage.

"Interestingly, it has elected not to increase prices for those on their fixed rate tariffs (Go fix 3 and Price Fix 2012) or its most competitive tariff, Sign online v 20, which once again proves that providers reserve their best deals for those that shop around, opt for online tariffs and pay by direct debit.

"Now may be the time to consider the security of fixed rates that are fast disappearing off the market. Good value deals are still available and it is crucial that customers vote with their feet in the face of these rises and do not stay put and hope for the best."