From October 1, npower’s 3.3 million customers will see gas prices rise by 15.7% and electricity by 7.2%, leading to a 12.2% rise in dual fuel prices, putting an extra £134 on an average dual fuel bill.

Along with the other four companies who have already announced price increases, British Gas, E.ON, Scottish Power and Scottish and Southern Electricity (SSE), npower claims the cause is rising wholesale market prices and turbulent world events which affect energy supply and security.

npower’s rises are slightly lower than the other four companies (gas going up by over 18% and electricity prices rising from between 10 to 16%) but this will be little comfort to those on the verge of fuel poverty (when your energy bill is 10% or more of your yearly income).

The company is offering a fixed price deal that will run until 2013 and also free loft and cavity insulation that should help you save energy, and therefore money.

Your energy bills can also be significantly reduced just by simple actions such as fitting energy saving lightbulbs. But if you want to aim higher why not consider creating your own energy with solar PV panels?

Many companies are offering subsidised installation, and, with help from the forthcoming government Green Deal and feed-in tariffs, you’ll soon be making your own energy, with any excess bringing you money as you sell it back to the National Grid.

And also, why not track down EDF, the last of the "Big Six" not to raise prices. But be quick. It feels inevitable that they’ll be making an announcement soon.

[Image: L2F1]