Domino effect as EDF Energy becomes second big six energy supplier to raise prices to new cap level

• Gas and electricity bills will rise by 10% for 1.3 million EDF Energy customers on its standard variable tariff from 1 April

• The £118 hike, up to the new price cap level, means EDF Energy’s standard plan will cost £1,254 on average – adding £160 million to bills across the country

• Prepayment meter customers will also face a £106 (9%) price rise

• Uswitch urges households to reject so-called ‘fair price rises’ and switch to a cheap fixed plan.

Rik Smith, energy expert at Uswitch.com, said: “As soon as Ofgem increased the price cap level it became almost inevitable that most customers on standard deals would see their bills rise right up to the cap.

“EDF Energy are the second of the Big Six suppliers to increase their prices, and we wouldn’t be surprised to see a domino effect with other energy companies following suit.

“EDF Energy customers will see their bills rocket by £118 a year on average from 1 April, and their standard tariff will be £286 more expensive than the cheapest deal available today.

“But some households on standard tariffs will be hit harder than the average if their supplier prices up to the cap, which could push their bills to the edge of affordability. People who are already struggling with their bills are the ones who will suffer most if they are conned by the idea that the price cap represents a ‘fair’ deal.

“There are hundreds of pounds to be saved by switching to a good value fixed deal. In just a few minutes consumers can beat the price rises and avoid confusing price changes every six months.”