Energy customers have been urged to check the small print before signing up to a capped deal for the next 12 to 18 months.

Energyhelpline, a price comparison site, has warned consumers who sign up to a capped deal could be subject to a new trend among providers for cancellation penalties. Mark Todd, director of Energyhelpline, commented: “We thought that we had seen the end of the dreaded cancellation penalties, but now they are back.

“Thankfully, these charges don’t apply to all capped tariffs – today’s two best deals, from nPower and E.ON, remain penalty free.

“With the energy crunch in full swing, capped tariffs are the only way for consumers to safeguard their finances for the coming year. However, we’re urging consumers to check there’s no catch to their deal before making the switch”