Energy prices in the UK could surge by as much as 60 per cent over the next few years, an independent report has warned.

The report commissioned by Centrica, the UK's biggest domestic energy supplier, says annual average gas bills could jump from £600 to more than £1,000 by early 2010.

According to the report, soaring oil prices could lead to steep rises in the price of both gas and electricity.

"Domestic users have to adjust to higher gas prices and prepare for a future where energy costs will account for a more significant proportion of household budgets," the report said.

Jake Ulrich, managing director of Centrica Energy, told Channel Four News that gas prices would continue to rise "for some time".

"I think it is going to hit people hard," he said.

"I do think we will see people change their behaviour, I think people will use less energy and I hate to go back to the Jimmy Carter days in the US but maybe it's two jumpers instead of one.

"I think people will change the temperature they keep the house, they'll be more cognisant of energy waste, they'll buy better appliances."

Ann Robinson, director of consumer policy at uSwitch.com, said: "The worst has been confirmed. If the predicted level of price hike hits home, it will plunge an extra 2.4 million into fuel poverty, taking the total from 4.5 million to an incredible 6.9 million - a 53 per cent increase.

"Coupled with the credit crunch and the ongoing battle to make their money go further, consumers should steel themselves for a winter of discontent - the days of cheap energy aren't just over, they now seem to be extinct.

"I would urge consumers to fix their energy prices now before its too late."

uSwitch.com is the independent price comparison and switching service.

The article Gas bills could go up by 60% originally appeared on 999 Today