A WARNING has been issued to residents about rising energy bills by price comparison service uSwitch.com.

Consumers on 16 popular fixed energy deals could see their bills go up by more than £100 a year unless they take action to switch tariffs, uSwitch has said.

Fixed deals that expire at the end of September and October could be automatically transferred onto a more expensive roll-over tariff, resulting in an average rise of £116 a year.

Tom Lyon, energy expert at uSwitch.com, said: “Fixed deals give consumers certainty about what they pay for their energy and protect against any unexpected price hikes.

"But several fixed plans are expiring - just when we are about to put the heating back on.

"If no action is taken consumers could end up with a bill increase of as much as £193 a year.

"With the nights already starting to draw in, now is the perfect time to switch and save money before temperatures drop.

“Small suppliers have consistently given the big six a run for their money this year by offering some of the cheapest deals on the market – with some at less than £1,000.

“By planning ahead, customers can avoid being rolled over onto a potentially more expensive tariff, and instead find a better deal before the cold weather starts to bite.”

Anyone concerned about their own bills should visit uSwitch.com or call 0800 093 0607.