E.ON’s price hike kicks in tomorrow

Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer Policy at uSwitch.com, says: "This is the last in a line of energy price hikes to hit British households this winter. However, by holding off until February, E.ON has at least protected its customers from higher prices through two of the harshest winter months.

"Generally though, consumers have felt the full brunt with price rises hitting at a time when energy usage peaks and in a winter that has been particularly cold. As a result, we are seeing growing numbers of people rationing their energy usage. But let us be clear, this is not about energy efficiency. The reality is that over three quarters of people (76%) have cut down or rationed their energy use this winter because of cost - a 7% increase on last year. This is simply unacceptable.

"However, with only around 3.5 million or one in ten households (13%) on suppliers' cheapest energy tariffs, consumers still have plenty of scope to help themselves. Although online plans are the most competitive in the market, there is also a £166 difference between the cheapest and most expensive standard tariff on the market - this is a saving that any household can make even if they don't have internet access or don't want to go online. I would urge consumers to take action now to protect themselves against the impact of higher prices this winter."