Scottish & Southen Energy are the first to announce their winter price hike, something that’s become a regular fixture in the UK in recent years.

The energy giant which also owns the Southern Electric, Atlantic, SWALEC, Scottish Hydro and Airtricity brands, is increasing household prices by 9% on both gas and electricity.

Although this does not affect their business gas or electricity prices, it shows the general trend of the market. Expect commercial gas contracts and half-hourly electricity deals to rise in the next 6 months.

Last year, all off the ‘big six’ energy suppliers raised the prices of gas and electricity in the run up to winter, and then made almost insultingly minor reductions in the new year.

Utilities Savings summarised the 2011 energy price rises and subsequent 2012 reductions back in January.

Price drops of around 4-6% on either gas or electricity were seen at the start of 2012, but no supplier made reductions to both products despite every single one of them raising prices by much more on both products at the end of 2011.

SSE increased their gas and electricity prices in 2011 by 18% and 11% respectively. Then in 2012 they reduced gas prices by 4.5% but left their electricity prices at the same level.

The announced price rise will take place from the 15th October 2012.