The hike is expected to affect up to 2.5m customers and will increase the standard dual fuel bill by adding an extra £52 on to the average annual ScottishPower standard dual fuel bill, which will increase from £1,305 to £1,357 as a result.

The move means that ScottishPower’s standard dual fuel plan for cash and cheque customers will now be £190 a year more expensive than its cheapest rival. However, on monthly direct debit it remains competitive.

ScottishPower was the third major supplier to announce a pre-Christmas price hike. Fellow energy giants British Gas and SSE will increase their prices on 1 and 10 December respectively.

EDF Energy has ruled out an increase, assuring its customers of a price freeze on standard tariffs until March next year. E.ON and npower are the two remaining big suppliers that have yet to announce their prices for gas and electricity this year.

Ann Robinson, director of consumer policy at uSwitch.com, said: “The increase may be moderate, but the timing is miserable. The fact is that seven out of ten people cut down or rationed their energy use last winter because of cost. Winter price hikes will simply force even more down this route.”

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Robinson added: “For those who want to protect themselves from any future price rises there are some competitive fixed price energy plans available. For those who simply want to pay the lowest possible price for their energy then it’s time to look at suppliers’ online energy plans.

“The difference between the cheapest energy plan in the market and the most expensive standard plan is £474. This is a substantial saving and could make a real difference for those who are worried or struggling with bills.”