An Increasing Number of People Are Likely to Be Using a Greater Deal of Energy in The Home

With yet more snow forecast for this weekend in some parts of the country, an increasing number of people are likely to be using a greater deal of energy in the home.

Indeed, uSwitch.com believes that the recent cold snap could cost cash-strapped consumers around an extra £7 a week on their energy bills.

Five of Britain's big six suppliers have all announced price hikes this winter, averaging out at £90 or seven per cent, which takes the average household energy bill to £1,334.

While the weather remained mild, consumers have been partially shielded from the impact of these higher prices but a further big freeze will see them bearing the full brunt.

Almost nine in ten households are expected to ration their energy use this winter in order to save on their bills.

Last winter, a total of 75 per cent went without heating at some point to keep prices down.

Customers of EDF Energy will be expecting to pay even more from today (December 7th) as it announced that it would be increasing its prices by 10.8 per cent for both gas and electricity.

If freezing weather sets in for a month, households could be facing up to the prospect of an additional £30 on their next energy bill.

Director of consumer policy at uSwitch.com Ann Robinson said households will be bracing themselves for the big chill this weekend, which could bring unaffordable energy bills.

"As we enter this cold snap I would urge consumers to look at the low-cost or free home insulation offers currently available. These will help to reduce your energy usage by making your home more energy efficient. These deals are disappearing and are expected to be gone by the end of December so people really do need to act fast," the expert was quoted as saying.