EDF is raising electricity prices by 2.7% from 7 June but will keep gas prices unchanged. This means the average standard variable dual fuel customer will see their bill go up by £16 a year. The increase will hit 1.3 million customers.

EDF follows British Gas, which on Tuesday announced gas and electricity price hikes of 5% or £60 a year, affecting 4.1 million customers.

EDF Energy managing director of customers, Béatrice Bigois, said: “We know that price rises are not welcome and we have worked to offset rising energy and policy charges by cutting our own costs.”

Dual fuel customers who pay by cash or cheque will be hit even harder, with bills going up by £28 a year.

Stephen Murray, energy expert at MoneySupermarket, said: “Clearly the price rise from British Gas earlier this week has opened the floodgates and we’re now officially in price rise season.

“The Big Six suppliers [British Gas, EDF, E.On, Npower, Scottish Power and SSE] know they have a short window to adjust prices upwards before the government starts to enforce pricing legislation.”

He advises energy customers to switch to a more competitive rate as soon as possible.

“The chances are that you’re unnecessarily paying too much for your energy and now is the time to switch and save.”

Looking to switch? Read our ‘how to’ guide here.