UK households have been warned that their energy bills could go up by hundreds of pounds if they do not act soon. Ofgem’s rise in the energy price cap will see households pay around 13.5% or £221 more on their bills, leaving thousands of people out of pocket. However, Brits can avoid the extra charges by following two simple steps.
Households have been advised to compare tariffs to find the best one for their usage, with average savings of £316. This can easily be done using an energy comparison website, with switching able to take place online and once fixed, rates are locked in.
Popular comparison website Uswitch has expanded into areas across the nation, warning people about the impending energy bill rises whilst encouraging households to review their tariffs before the new rates take effect from July 1.
Ben Gallizzi, an energy expert from the energy comparison site Uswitch.com, said: “The jump in energy prices might seem easier to bear in summer while heating is off – but a graver concern is this setting the baseline for a further increase in October, Northamptonshire Telegraph reports.
“If you haven’t switched in a while, you’re almost certainly on a standard tariff, and you will be impacted. Getting off a standard tariff and locking in a fixed rate deal should be an urgent priority for households.”
The company found that over two-thirds of 4,000 energy customers were unaware of next week’s energy price cap. Meanwhile, 23% said they were aware of the price hike and shared that it has left them feeling powerless over their bills.
A separate poll by OnePoll.com found that 42% of those currently on a standard variable rate – and who will be hit by the price rise – aren’t considering switching to a fixed-rate tariff before July 1.
Many respondents feel that making a switch is daunting or will result in minimal or no savings. However, Mr Galizzi says that checking out various deals ahead of the price increase is a crucial step if you want to make some savings.
He added: “For the millions of households on standard tariffs, this is your one week warning that your energy rates are rising on July 1 – unless you act now. There are many fixed deals available that are cheaper than the price cap, with average savings of over £300 on offer making it a crucial move.
“These deals might not be around for long, so take a few minutes to check online to see what deals are available to you.”
