The online comparison and switch service has stated that British Gas has “left the door open ” for a change in billing that will be determined by what region UK customers are living in.

They warn that if all suppliers implement this kind of policy the initial estimates of a 15 per cent increase per household could be inaccurate.

Ann Robinson, director of consumer policy at uSwitch.com, comments: “British Gas customers cannot afford to hang around. Unless they are already on a competitive online deal they should move to a cheaper plan today to protect their household from the impact of higher energy bills.”

The British Gas price increase followed Ofgem’s announcement the previous day that there was no evidence of industry collusion, the expert suggested.

In related news, Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg has warned that the energy price increases will push Britain’s poorest families “further into fuel poverty”.

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