Many customers will be disappointed to know that their EDF Energy utilities bills are set to increase next month, one expert has said.

Audrey Gallacher, head of energy at Consumer Focus, claimed that although the increases are hardly a shock, customers will nevertheless be concerned.

"EDF Energy's customers will be hugely disappointed that the supplier has chosen to up its prices as soon as possible after its price freeze ends," she explained.

Ms Gallacher emphasised that the supplier has simply followed in the footsteps of its rivals, although its increases are slightly greater than some others.

EDF customers will now face a rise of 7.5 per cent on their electricity bills and 6.5 per cent for gas from next month.

The University of Salford recently called for a behavioural change among people in the UK to help reduce the level of energy consumption and improve efficiency.