Last of the Summer's energy price rises begins...

Perhaps the media was full of other stories (or I just missed it), but there seemed to be a distinct lack of fanfare to herald the last of the Summer's announced energy price rises by the big six, which came into effect on the 10th November.

Easier Finance points out that with all the energy rises now in force, more homeowners than ever are facing difficult choices between eating or heating their homes.

"With the average household now facing an energy bill of £1,293 a year, the number living in fuel poverty has rocketed to an incredible 6.9 million."

Their report goes on to say that figures suggest 9 in 10 households - 89% will ration their energy use to save money - that's 16% more than last year.

Some 55%of households risked their health by going without heating at some point last Winter. A figure that looks set to rise.

Taking a few simple and cheap actions could make your home more comfortable - use draught sealing strips around doors and letterboxes. Hang thick curtains across draughty doors or single glazed windows.

Try not to heat rooms you're not living in. Even wearing an extra layer of clothing e.g a jumper, will mean you can comfortably turn down your thermostat a degree or two and still feel warm.

photo credit: ns newsflash

EDF - the last of the big six to raise energy prices

The last of the big 6 energy companies - EDF Energy - announced price rises last week of 15.4% for gas and 4.5% for electricity (source: this is money).

Interestingly, it was the only firm last winter not to increase its prices, although it did raise its prices in March of this year.

Energy and consumer pundits had all been warning that once one of the 'big 6' had increased prices, the rest would follow.

What is interesting here is the fact that if the 6 are going to follow each other's price rise leads, then where does that leave the consumer, who previously might have been able to switch suppliers for a better deal?

Is it still worth switching even? What's been your experience?

Once again, the real question is not if but when the majority of households will install their own renewable energy sources (like solar panels) in an attempt to break free from the stranglehold energy companies have over family finances at present.

If you're interested in finding out investment levels and what a solar panel system can do for your home, start by getting a free online solar panel installation quote from Solar Panel Quoter.

photo credit: fxr

Energy price rises likely - here we go again

Sunny weather always makes people take more of an interest in solar energy and installing it on their own homes.

And with photovoltaic panels, homeowners not only win with lower energy bills, but also in the income generated from Government feed-in tariffs.

However, news that energy prices are about to go up again and could rise by 15% by the end of 2011 (source: utility exchange), means now could be the perfect time to offset such increases by opting to generate your own energy.

The price increases are being blamed on the rises in wholesale prices for gas coupled with a stronger world demand.

One ray of light is that Ofgem have now forced energy companies to give 30days notice of any bill rises, giving you chance to shop around for a better deal.

But it's already evident that with many companies removing cheaper tariffs and replacing them with more expensive ones, getting a cheap deal won't be easy.

Most energy switching utilities seem to agree that a dual-fuel agreement can earn the most savings at present.

If you're fed up with being at the mercy of the energy companies, then perhaps it's time you got a no obligation, instant online quote for solar panel installation on your home or business.

photo credit: alex proimos