The price rise announced by EDF Energy today has pushed the average energy bill up to £1,300, claims Consumer Focus. EDF bumped up electricity prices by 4.5% and gas by 15.4%.

The campaign group says that this will mean many Brits will have “tough decisions” to make over the winter.

Mike O’Connor, Chief Executive of Consumer Focus, said: “This not unexpected news means more consumers making tough decisions as we head into the colder months and millions of people cutting back on other essentials if they want to keep warm.”

But the consumer champions hailed the French energy firm’s recognition of the need to rebuild public trust.

Earlier today EDF CEO Vincent de Rivaz said that the energy industry needed “trust, open dialogue and mutual understanding. If a Competition Commission inquiry is necessary to build this trust, then it is a step that should be taken.”

The fact that EDF Energy acknowledged “public distrust of energy firms” is promising, said Mr O’Connor, adding that the consumer group also welcomes EDF’s willingness to face a Competition Commission enquiry.