2 January 2007
This January will see thousands of consumers automatically put onto alternative price plans as their capped energy bills come to an end in a move that could potentially cause a 49% rise in customers' tariff costs.
According to the price comparison and switching website uSwitch.com, consumers whose capped price plans are due to end this month could find themselves switched onto an alternative tariff which could cost them an additional £317 per year.
Tim Wolfenden, product strategy manager at uSwitch.com, warned consumers that the onus was left on the customer to notice that their plan was coming to an end and to switch tariffs before it was too late.
"This January, like last January, is starting with price increases despite noises that prices will come down in the spring.
"In addition, thousands of energy customers are coming to the end of their competitive capped rate deals and will no doubt be unprepared for the significant 49% jump in their annual bill," he added.
Scottish and Southern Energy and British Gas' Click Energy are among those raising their prices this month and consumers are encouraged to shop around to ensure that they are getting the best service for their money.