How to rebel against energy price rises

December's cold weather will add around £50 to the average energy bill. On top of that, suppliers are hitting customers with price rises. But you don't have to accept them, says Ruth Jackson. Here, she explains how to avoid the increases - and why switching supplier is a good idea.

It's freezing outside. So what we all want to do is curl up inside by a nice hot radiator and forget about the cold. But if the energy firms have their way we'll soon be shivering indoors as well as out. npower is the latest provider to put its prices up. Its customers will see their bills rise by 5.1% from 4 January. That will add around £60 to the average annual dual fuel bill. npower is the fourth of the 'Big Six' energy companies to up its prices in recent months. Scottish Power, Scottish & Southern and British Gas have all pushed up their tariffs. That leaves just Eon and EDF still offering lower prices. EDF have promised not to introduce any increases before March but Eon are now expected to put their prices up in the New Year.

With this month's arctic conditions expected to add around £50 to people's energy bills for the month the last thing we all need is a price rise on top. So what can you do to minimise the financial hit of this cold snap?

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Ruth Jackson-Kirby

Ruth Jackson-Kirby is a freelance personal finance journalist with 17 years’ experience, writing about everything from savings accounts and credit cards to pensions, property and pet insurance.

Ruth started her career at MoneyWeek after graduating with an MA from the University of St Andrews, and she continues to contribute regular articles to our personal finance section. After leaving MoneyWeek she went on to become deputy editor of Moneywise before becoming a freelance journalist.

Ruth writes regularly for national publications including The Sunday Times, The Times, The Mail on Sunday and Good Housekeeping, among many other titles both online and offline.