Energy News

UK energy prices up 7.8%

Thursday, 3 March 2010

By Daniel Barnes- daniel@consumerchoices.co.uk

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It pays to keep on top of your gas and electricity bills as official figures show prices are up 7.8%.

Energy prices rose 7.8% in the last year in the UK.

New data from the global development organisation, the OECD, show energy prices across the world rose 10.6% in the last 12 months.

However, some countries have seen their energy bills rise by far less. Across the European Union, gas and electricity bills rose 5.1%, compared to the UK’s 7.8% increase.

Belgium’s energy bills fell 3.4% and Germany’s energy prices rose just 1%.

British households, however, could count themselves lucky as energy bills rose 22.7% in Iceland, 19.1% in the US and 17.9% in Greece, the OECD figures show.

The average annual dual fuel gas and electricity bill in the UK is £1,239, compared to £580 in 2004, according to USwitch data.

Chris Eagle, commercial manager at Energychoices.co.uk, said: “The rise in energy prices has hit many households hard. However, you can fight back.

“Although average bills are over £1,200, cheaper options are available. An average user on First Utility’s new iSaveV3 tariff should get average bills of £889.”

He added: “The tip to saving money on your fuel bills is to find the cheapest online tariff, opt for a dual fuel package and pay by monthly direct debit.”