uSwitch warns consumers over rising price of 'cheap energy'

Householders should look to compare energy prices and cut their bills after ScottishPower pushed up its online prices.

The energy provider has pulled its Online Fixed Price Energy July 2013 deal, costing £1,055-a-year, and replaced it with Online Fixed Price Energy August 2013, which will result in charges of £1,086-a-year on average.

Emma Bush, energy expert at uSwitch, said that this move from ScottishPower follows Ovo Energy's recent price hike, putting consumers under more financial pressure.

"The fact is that small suppliers and the competitive online plans offered by the big six are usually where you first see signs of trouble ahead. Online plans are always competitive, but because they are so keenly priced they are also the first to reflect any volatility in the market, which is why we have started to see online prices creeping up," she added.

Rising energy prices will increase the pressure on financially-stricken families, with many having to cut costs in other areas or go without heating in order to afford to live.