It's not an imaginative prank,creeping up on somebody in the street and,when they least suspect it,shouting"SURPRISE!"in their ear.
However,according to consumer reports,that's exactly what the Big Six energy companies are up to-and homeowners are being urged to snap up low-cost energy deals while they still can,before the monopoly of energy suppliers collectively make us wet ourselves in an instant of fear.
Price comparison gurus uSwitch.com have warned of creeping online price hikes on so-called'low cost'energy tariffs,with the average annual cost of£1,091 falling little short of the steady£1,252 average energy bill for those on more traditional schemes.
While buying and fixing an energy tariff with online-only offers is an effective way to secure more affordable energy bills,the slow increase of prices-compared to fixed tariffs available through more traditional routes-means homeowners need to act now if they are to make the most of these offers.
The move comes after a number of suppliers,including ScottishPower,announced plans to replace their Online Fixed Price Energy scheme in July 2013 with a tariff that costs up to£31 more-so consumers are being encouraged to lock down those cheap energy plans while they can.
"This move follows Ovo Energy's recent price hike so will no doubt leave consumers feeling a bit jittery over where household energy prices are heading,"said uSwitch.com energy expert Emma Bush."The fact is that small suppliers and the competitive online plans offered by the Big Six are usually where you first see signs of trouble ahead."
However,with those creeping prices,more homeowners than ever are looking to cut domestic bills by saving energy around the home.
Last year,the government's Feed-In Tariff saw installation of domestic solar panels rise by 432 per cent,while many more homes are embracing affordable options such as excluding drafts,installing double glazing and switching old bulbs for more energy efficient ceiling light fittings.