As many as 11 per cent of British men were caught out over energy prices in the last three months, the study found.

These results may heighten concerns that too many consumers are too complacent or too disconnected from understanding their bills to protest against prices when they become unacceptably high, or motivate themselves to switch.

On the other hand, critics of the consumer lobby on lower fuel prices indicate that lower fuel bills may not be the best solution from all points of view – ‘green’ prices could mean higher prices for customers.

As the green agenda becomes increasingly important in political life, protection of consumer interests may not always be the first priority in pricing fuel.

It will be helpful, then, for individuals to get into the habit of checking they are not caught out by unexpectedly high utility bills by regularly checking prices from their providers and thinking through alternatives.

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