Energy prices are predicted to rise 15 to 45 per cent by the end of this year. This is a staggering increase on top of the 60 per cent we have already faced over the past three years, and could add around £200 your average bill. The rises are likely to come in two bursts: one in late summer, the other at the end of the year. So, your best bet is to get a fixed-rate energy tariff, where the rate you pay per unit of gas and electricity is fixed for two to three years.

However, the cheapest fixed rates tend to be about ten per cent more expensive than the normal rates. So there is a slight risk that the rises will not happen and you will not be on the best deal. But the odds are that fixing your tariff at the moment is a winner.