Scottish and Southern Energy has announced an 18% increase in gas prices and 11% in electricity, following on from huge price increases by Scottish Power and British Gas.

They're the third company of the "Big Six" energy providers to shock us all with such inflation-busting rises.

The companies blame increased wholesale prices, but that’s of little comfort to those who are falling into "fuel poverty", where a dual fuel bill comes to more than 10% of their income.

The Scottish and Southern Energy price increases will come into effect on September 14, with the company promising no more price increases before August 2012.

In the meantime, watch out for the next three of the "Big Six" to follow suit. It may not be too late to find a fixed tariff, but inevitably time will be running out.

It’s also worth doing all you can to keep those bills down. BigGreenSmile offers a range of energy saving products - along with these it might also be a good time to consider alternative ways of receiving energy, such as generating it yourself through solar PV.

[Image: Tuftronic 10000]