ScottishPower offers some relief in face of price rises

In a week which has seen npower become the fifth supplier to announce a price rise and British Gas the second to implement an increase, ScottishPower has launched a new fixed price energy deal which is the cheapest on the market.

This is great news for consumers looking for peace of mind at a difficult time, says uSwitch.com, the independent price comparison and switching service.

Thomas Lyon, energy expert at uSwitch.com, says: "At the end of a bad week for energy customers, where further price rises have left many households desperate about how to manage their winter bills, this new fixed price plan from ScottishPower - the cheapest fix on the market at £1,020 a year - could prove the lifeline that many have been waiting for. As well as offering security against any further increases until the end of November next year, this fixed price plan is actually cheaper than the average standard plan, meaning consumers can benefit from both lower bills and peace of mind.

"But while fixed price plans are definitely right for some, with wholesale prices now falling there is a chance that we could see household energy prices remaining steady or even falling in the future. Therefore the decision to fix isn't quite as clear cut as it was a few months ago. Consumers should be aware that if they fix, while they'll be protected from further increases they might not benefit from any price decreases. So people should consider the options fully before signing on the dotted line.

"However what is important is that consumers put themselves in a good position ahead of winter. Moving to dual fuel and paying by direct debit will save you money, and if you don't want to fix, signing up to a competitive online plan will further reduce the price you pay for your energy. Cutting down on the amount you use by becoming more energy efficient will help you save even more."