Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) is the latest of the big six UK suppliers to raise prices.

SSE follow Scottish Power and Centrica who have both already announced similar price rises that come into effect in the autumn.

SSE’s rises are expected to be around 18% for gas and 11% for electricity, but will not come into effect until September.

SSE also pledged not to raise prices again until August 2012 “at the earliest”, seen by some as a risky manoeuvre.

UK Energy Secretary Chris Huhne has admitted there are tough times for energy consumers. “The Government is taking a range of steps to help people through these hard times, including introduction of the Warm Home Discount to help tackle fuel poverty, clearer billing information to help consumers find out if they are getting the best deal and switch tariff if they are not, and energy efficiency measures such as loft and cavity wall insulation to cut waste and keep bills down.” He said.

“We are also working to boost competition in the energy market by reducing barriers to new entrants,” He added.

The rest of the big six are expected to follow suit by raising prices before the start of the winter months.