Consumers continue to be hit with energy price rises as ScottishPower and Scottish & Southern Energy announce price hikes. ScottishPower is upping its prices by as much as 7.37 per cent for gas and 8.2 per cent for electricity, while Scottish & Southern Energy has increased gas rates by an average 4.9% for new customers.

The ScottishPower hikes will come into play for all customers in the North West, South East, East Midlands, North Wales and much of Scotland on 1st March. This means that worst hit customers will be paying up to £30 a year more for gas and £23 a year more for electricity, according to independent online and free-phone comparison service uSwitch.com. Online customers are unaffected.

This is the second increase by ScottishPower in six months. In September 2003 they increased gas prices by an average 2.3% for all customers across all regions.

Andrew Salmon, managing director at uSwitch.com, said: “The increase from ScottishPower and Scottish & Southern Energy follows similar rises from other suppliers already this year, namely British Gas and npower, and we don’t expect them to be the last.”

“People should not be unduly worried though; the cheapest supplier in one region may well be the most expensive in another.”

“Despite ScottishPower’s price rise, they continue to offer a competitive tariff combined with a high service rating. Our advice is that people should consistently check the competitiveness of their energy supplier and switch when prices increase.”

“If you’re never switched before, chances are you’re missing out on substantial savings.”

uSwitch.com is a free online and phone based price comparison and advisory service which enables consumers to compare and switch gas, electricity, home telephone and digital television supplier tariffs and save on household bills. uSwitch.com are accredited by Ofcom and Energywatch. By entering their home postcode and a few details about their usage consumers can see how much they can save.

For more information visit www.uSwitch.com