More misery for household as energy bills rise

Average winter gas bill will be up by £132 on a year ago to around £460 because of the extended cold spell.

The figures were compiled by economist Alan Clarke of the wholesale banking division of Scotiabank, Scotia Capital and do not factor in price rises which could come later this year.

Mr Clarke said average household gas use was up by some 30 per cent between January and March compared with a year ago. On top of that gas tariffs are now around 8 per cent higher.

Based on these calculations, he estimates that the average gas bill for the first three months of this 2013 will rise  by £132.60 compared with last year, to £460.90.

Once the higher cost of gas and electricity are factored in, he says the average household bill for the whole of 2013 is likely to rise by £208 to a record high of £1,568.20.

Mr Clarke said: "The typical household will spend about £200 more on their energy bills this year, taking money away from fun stuff such as clothing, iPads and cars.’ But some will also be forced to cut down on essentials, while there is evidence that many have been rationing their heating for fear of running up big bills."