Energy bills are never far from the headlines at the moment, as hard-pressed households struggle to stretch their budgets in the wake of massive price hikes.
Families were dealt a double blow at the beginning of the month, when the increase in the energy price cap - the maximum companies are allowed to charge - increased the cost of the fuel and the standing charge users pay every day. And more is on the way, with energy analysts predicting a further jump later in October, which could add a further £600 to the average bill.
Energy bosses have called for more Government support for households facing a 'truly horrific' winter, with as many as four in 10 people potentially falling into fuel poverty before the end of the year. Bosses from E.ON, EDF, Scottish Power, and Centrica (which owns British Gas) were quizzed by MPs on their efforts to support customers with rising energy bills, after complaints that suppliers were forcing people onto more expensive variable tariffs.
