15 March 2006
One household in the UK enters fuel poverty every 44 seconds as a result of gas and electricity price rises.
According to the comparison and switching website uSwitch.com, an additional 722,000 households will be pushed into fuel poverty after recent price increases by the UK's biggest energy suppliers.
ScottishPower, EDF Energy, British Gas, Powergen and npower have all raised energy prices over the last two months and the website said it was expecting Scottish and Southern Energy to follow suit.
Alan Tattersall, director of home services, said: "As a result of recent price hikes, we expect to see an increase in the number of customers switching to alternate tariffs such as fixed and capped plans.
"Our view is that any customer considering such a tariff should opt for a capped plan where possible so they can take advantage of any potential rate decreases whilst being protected against further increases."
He added: "We fully expect to see imminent price increases from Scottish and Southern Energy which will bring them in line with the other big five providers, in the light of these rises it is increasingly important to find the most competitive rates in order to keep your bills as low as possible."
uSwitch.com's free and impartial comparison and switching service can help you find the best deal for your gas & electricity