Wholesale energy prices have risen sharply over the past few months, mainly on the back of the falling value of sterling following the EU referendum as well as concerns about the future reliability of the energy supply.

Co-operative Energy, for example, bumped up its prices earlier this year while last month GB Energy increased the cost of its standard dual fuel variable tariff by 30 per cent - its second price hike since July.

Yet householders could save about £300 a year by switching to a cheaper energy deal.

While the average annual tariff is just over £1,000, the Iresa Flex2 12 Month Fixed Direct Debit, for example, would cost £727 for the combined supply of gas and electricity for a year, according to figures from price comparison website Gocompare.

Ben Wilson, energy spokesperson at Gocompare said: “With nights getting darker and colder, many of us have started reaching for the thermostat as well as an extra jumper.

“Unfortunately, this also means that most families will start to see their energy bills creep up over the next few months.

“It’s not a surprise that the autumn and winter months are when our energy usage is at its highest.

“However, if you’re on a standard variable tariff, or have been with your existing energy supplier for a long time you could be surprised at how much you could save.

“It only takes a few minutes to get online and find a new energy tariff and with savings of around £300 to be had, it’s a few minutes well spent.”

Claire Osborne, energy expert at comparison site uSwitch, agreed, saying that “as the colder weather starts to bite, it’s not too late to take control of your energy bills”.

“Rising wholesale prices are forcing many suppliers to increase the cost of their cheapest deals, but there are still many competitive tariffs available on the market,” she added.

“Consumers worried about rising prices should consider fixed deals, which provide protection against any potential price rises.”

It is worth bearing in mind that dual fuel deals are usually cheaper than single fuel tariffs and consumers can generally save money by paying by direct debit and manage their account online.

Customers on fixed tariffs might have to pay an exit penalty if they switch before the fixed-rate deal expires.

Typical exit penalties are between £25 and £30 per fuel, but it can still work out cheaper for some households to switch and pay the penalty.

One way to sidestep such penalties is to wait until the fixed rate comes to an end - more than 100 fixed tariffs have expired since the start of the year, according to MoneySuperMarket – although prompt action needs to be taken to avoid paying considerably higher fees.

Stephen Murray, energy expert at MoneySuperMarket, said: “Homeowners who do nothing at the end of a fix are automatically rolled onto standard variable tariffs and, without realising, face huge bills to heat their homes this winter.”

It takes about 21 days on average to switch energy supplier, so there is still time to get a better deal before the cold weather sets in.

The process is also pretty straightforward, with energy deals listed on Ofgem-accredited comparison websites such as MoneySuperMarket or uSwitch.

Once a suitable tariff and supplier has been chosen the new supplier will contact the existing supplier to arrange the switch.

Even those in debt can switch, as long as the debt has been accruing for less than 28 days, with the outstanding debt added to the final bill from the old supplier.

Research by Gocompare shows that five per cent of homeowners are in arrears with their gas or electricity bills, with the average amount owed to suppliers sitting at £121.20.

Customers who have been in debt to their supplier for more than 28 days will have to clear the debt before they can switch, unless the debt is the supplier’s fault.

Anyone who is either on a low income or who qualifies for certain means-tested benefits could get a one-off discount of £140 on their electricity bill for winter 2016/17 as part of the UK Government’s Warm Home Discount scheme.

However, consumers should be aware that not all small suppliers participate in the scheme, so it is worth checking before looking to switch providers.

Switching energy supplier is one of the quickest and simplest way to cut energy bills, but there are several other ways to reduce the cost of energy, such as fitting loft insulation or turning the thermostat down by a couple of degrees.

Experts also recommend submitting regular meter readings to suppliers.

Ms Osborne said: “It is essential to keep up to date with your meter readings, to ensure that you are being charged the correct amount on your bills.

“Even if you are on the cheapest tariff, estimated bills can make it hard to keep track of what you’re using – leaving you unexpectedly in credit or debt to your supplier.”