Energy bills are continuing to go up, which is really hitting the pockets of the poorest families in the UK and the latest inflation figures compiled by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) does little to temper fears.
This data showed that CPI inflation remained at 2.7 per cent, while RPI inflation went up to 3.1 per cent, meaning the gap between wages and inflation continues to grow.
Consumers are not being helped by rising energy prices that are forcing people to choose between going cold or paying through the nose to heat the home.
Indeed, E.ON today (January 18th) became the last of the big six suppliers to increase its rates.
The prices will be going up by over eight per cent, which could have a dramatic effect on the bills that people will be paying each month.
These price rises may not stop there though, as British Gas has warned that it too may increase its tariffs once more as the cost of upgrading the national grid in line with government policies is proving to be an expensive operation for the company.
One way of trying to beat energy price rises is by installing more energy-efficient products into the home.
For instance, LED ceiling spotlights would help make the room brighter, as well as saving money on bills in the long run because they use a fraction of the energy that traditional incandescent bulbs.
General secretary of the Trades Union Congress Frances O'Grady commented on the figures from the ONS: "Inflation has been outstripping wage rises for three years now, which has already cost the average worker £4,000.
"Unless inflation falls are matched by stronger pay growth, 2013 will be the fourth year in a row that people have suffered real wage cuts.
The hike in energy bills is particularly tough on the poorest households, who spend over a quarter of their income on utility payments."
