Consumers could find they are left with a major budget management challenge as a result of their winter energy bills, research has suggested.
MoneySupermarket.com has noted 40 per cent of annual consumption occurs during the winter months, when it is coldest and darkest.
And, it suggested, with prices having been hiked recently the average energy bill at the end of February may be as high as £514.
Commenting on this threat, the consumer website's utilities manager Scott Byrom said: "The start of a New Year is an expensive time as consumers deal with a festive financial hangover - a huge energy bill will come as an additional nasty shock.
"With the cost of gas increasing by 17.4 per cent and electricity up by 10.8 per cent following recent price rises, many will struggle to cope with the crippling costs of energy this winter."
And he warned that with many fixed tariff deals set to expire soon, the cost of paying for home energy could rise even more as consumers are automatically placed on the most expensive charging system by their providers.
Mr Byrom suggested those about to see their current deals expire should shop around for a better price.
However, consumers may find that with all the recent price hikes that have come into effect, finding a cheap deal could be very hard.
Faced with the reality of higher prices, one way people may act is to maximise their financial resources as well as looking for the best deals.
Using a budget planner means areas where money is spent unnecessarily can be identified and the issue then addressed.
This could include having standing orders being paid for goods or services no longer used, frivolous spending on some goods or debt payments that may be reduced by consolidating borrowing.
With such bills and the extra cost of Christmas Mr Byrom also mentioned causing difficulties for many, it might come as little surprise that better budgeting has become a new year resolution for many.
According to GoCompare.com, sorting out finances and trimming outgoings is an important aim in 2012 for 49 per cent of people, making it the leading resolution ahead of getting fitter on 46 per cent.
