The cold winter is expected to add a £1.2 billion to consumers’ energy bills.

A report from comparethemarket.com stated gas bills are set to rise by 6.2% during the winter period.

That’s an estimate of £46 extra on their annual gas bill, it added, based on National Grid’s expected energy usage and current tariffs.

James Padmore, Head of Energy, comparethemarket.com, said: “The increased use of gas to heat homes will put a large dent in consumer finances. The £46 that we calculate may be added to a household’s annual bill, as a result of increased energy usage during the severe winter, is a sum of money most people would prefer to spend on Christmas presents at this time of year.”

According to government estimates consumers, can save around £200 by switching energy suppliers.