Your energy bills could rise once more

A number of fixed tariff deals will be coming to an end on October 31.

Anyone currently on these tariffs, including both domestic and business users, could see their electricity and gas bills rising by over £100 from next month.

Deals such as these expire all the time, which is why it is always important to keep an eye on your bills and be aware of when your contract is about to come to an end. Allowing your contract to rollover means you stand being charged at the out of contract prices - these prices are a lot higher than the rates used to bring in new customers, and many families and companies find themselves stung by a bill much higher than it should be.

The best way to combat this is to make sure you switch your deal to something more competitive. Brand loyalty doesn't always pay so don't be afraid to swap your supply to someone new.

The tariffs ending this month include EDF energy's Blue+ Fixed PrePay, Scottish Power's Online Fixed Price, and a selection of First:Utility's iSave Fixed tariffs. Not sure if these changes apply to you? Take a look at your last bill and find out your current contract details.

Unsure of how you can start saving? Is the market too unclear for you to make the best choice? Give the energyadviceline a ring and find out just how easy it is to start saving on your energy tariff. Consumers who switch stand to save hundreds of pounds every year.

Energy Insider Calls For Fairer Customer Service

The Energy Advice Line has welcomed calls by an industry insider for the Big Six suppliers to introduce simple changes that would see customers paying less for their energy, and being treated more fairly.

Julian Morgan, managing directer of the price comparison, switching, and advice service for energy users, said regulators should heed the comments by First Utility, a leading independent supplier, and enforce the changes.

"First Utility has echoed what we have been saying for some time - that energy companies need to make simple changes, like actually talking to their customers, in order to restore trust and deliver them a better deal," Mr Morgan said.

Energy Consumers Facing September Price Hikes

Large numbers of British housegolds are facing the threat of unexpected hikes in their energy bills this month, despite falling wholesale energy prices, according to The Energy Advice Line.

Eight fixed-rate energy tariffs, including popular deals with British Gas, EDF Energy, Npower, and Sainsbury's Energy, are scheduled to expire at the end of August.

Julian Morgan, managing director of the price comparison, switching, and advice service for energy users said customers who failed to switch beforehand would automatically be bumped to their suppliers' standard rate - generally the most expensive.

Despite Energy Costs Plummeting, Bills Stay High

The Energy Advice Line has backed calls by Ofgem for suppliers to explain why the benefits of falling gas prices have not been passed on to business and domestic energy users.

According to news reports, UK wholesale gas prices for November and December deliveries hit a record low at the end of October, which means the cost of buying natural gas dived by almost a quarter during 2014.

Julian Morgan, managing director of the price comparison, switching and advice service for energy users, said suppliers had not yet signaled any meaningful cuts to bills despite the falling costs.

“Some suppliers have made some changes to their tariffs, and there are some good deals available for consumers who want to lock themselves in to fixed-term deals,” Mr Morgan said.

“But generally, retail prices have remained static while the raw cost of energy has plummeted.

Average Dual Fuel Bill Is Around £1,265 a Year

Business electricity users and householders were facing difficult decisions about their energy contracts, with wholesale prices dipping and some suppliers offering longer than usual fixed-rate deals, according to the Energy Advice Line

Julian Morgan, managing director of the price comparison, switching and advice service for energy users, said lower wholesale energy prices and increased competition were creating opportunities for customers to lock in good deals.

But he said the trade-off for consumers who opted for longer-term price protection was potentially missing out on cheaper prices if energy costs continued to fall.

“Consumers are facing some difficult choices at the moment and they need to take expert advice,” Mr Morgan said.