Energy costs 'will hit cash-strapped consumers hard'

Many UK adults who are struggling with the rising cost of living could be attempting to alleviate the situation and control their spending with a budget plan.

If this is the case, they may wish to take into account a sharp rise in energy consumption anticipated over the winter period.

Analysis from price comparison website MoneySupermarket.com indicated an average of 40 per cent of a homeowner's annual energy consumption is used in the colder season.

Utilities manager for the firm Scott Byrom noted increases in the cost of gas and electricity by 17.4 per cent and 10.8 per cent respectively will make many Brits struggle to meet these costs.

"The start of a New Year is an expensive time as consumers deal with a festive financial hangover - a huge energy bill will come as an additional nasty shock," he commented.

Recent research from uSwitch.com found 32 per cent of respondents claimed national utility costs are becoming unaffordable.

Posted by Tom Burroughs