Energy bills ‘set to keep rising’

Energy bills are set to keep rising over the course of this year, it has been suggested.

According to the price comparison firm uSwitch.com, the average household energy bill will increase by close to £555 by the time the winter months arrive.

The increases could leave some people struggling still further to become debt free and uSwitch.com estimates that energy costs will account for around five per cent of the average family’s total expenditure.

Ann Robinson, director of consumer policy at uSwitch.com, said: “The days of cheap energy are over. Households could see the largest ever increase in household energy bills this year.”

As a result of the rises in household bills and other outgoings, employers are expected to come under considerable pressure to boost wages, which the government will be keen to keep down.

Last week, the Bank of England urged consumers not to worry about inflation because doing so could exacerbate the existing problems with the economy.

By Giles Stevenson