Gas and electricity customers should be prepared for a nasty shock when they receive their winter fuel bills, one price comparison firm has suggested.
Despite price reductions from many energy suppliers, the annual energy bill has increased by 36 per cent compared with the beginning of 2008, according to independent comparison website uSwitch.com.
The average cost per household is now £1,239, an increase of £327.
According to uSwitch, household heating accounts for 42 per cent or £520 of the average annual energy bill, with most of this spend typically accumulated during the winter months.
Elderly people are significantly affected by the rising cost of energy as they use a larger proportion of their income on heating.
Fears over the ability to meet rising annual bills could see many people looking to increase their monthly incomes.
This could lead to a rise in the popularity of equity release schemes which allow homeowners to supplement their pensions with money drawn against the value of their properties.
uSwitch has now issued a ten-point guide to cheaper fuel bills.
Advice includes comparing prices and switching suppliers, paying by direct debit and using online billing.
Customers were also advised to ensure their homes are properly insulated, to cut out any draughts.
Will Marples, an energy expert at uSwitch.com, said: "Rather than sitting back and hoping for further reductions we can all give ourselves a substantial price cut on our energy bills today.
"Moving to dual fuel, paying by direct debit and signing up to an online plan will all help save money." 
