Last week, EDF Energy hiked energy bills, increasing prices by 22% for gas and 17% for electricity. Today (Wed 30 July), British Gas announced a 9% electricity, 35% gas and 25% dual fuel rise. Energy suppliers usually operate a herd mentality, so the others are expected to do the same within five or six weeks. Another round of price hikes of a similar scale are predicted for next January.
Currently, the average energy bill is roughly £1,000; this takes it to £1,200 for EDF & British Gas customers. By the end of Jan next year, the average for all suppliers is predicted to be £1,400 to £1,600, due to the price suppliers pay for gas being so high.
To beat the price hikes, CAP NOW! Only One Left
If these predicted price rises do happen (and it can never be guaranteed), a capped rate lets you beat the hike as it allows you to lock-in at current prices. Yet cheap caps are disappearing fast, as suppliers increase their prices in line with the forthcoming hike in normal tariffs. However, grab one now and you're sorted; even if it's withdrawn an hour later, you've locked in at that price.
The cheapest cap for most people, the Scottish Power Fixed Price Energy 2009, was pulled from comparison sites on Tuesday, but it is still available direct, though it's ending imminently. The cheap British Gas cap is being replaced on Wed afternoon by a more expensive one, but may still be available via some comparison sites until the end of the day (you specifically need the British Gas Price Guarantee December 2009).
The only fully available one left is now from E.on. It has two incarnations: Energy Saver version 4 (free home energy report, but cancellation fees) and Price Protection October 2009 (no energy report, no cancellation fee). It's still best to do a comparison to see its definitely cheapest for you.
Obviously, these are disappearing quicker than a rabbit near Paul Daniels, so if you're going to do this, don't delay. To find the cheapest, use the comparison sites above, which separate out capped tariffs in the results, and switch to the cheapest.
I can't remember if I am E.on or EDF but as soon as I get home I will be checking.
i think they are awful i have a small flat and its just me and Hayden now but it was just 3 of us and they sent me an electric bill for £800 i can't move now because i am in debt to them and had to have a pre payment meter put in! 
