British Gas customers have been told to ignore messages pushing them to lock into a fixed deal over fears it could end up costing them hundreds of pounds more.
The energy giant has been encouraging households to "switch in just one click" to a new - but more expensive - fixed tariff.
There are currently no fixed deals cheaper than the energy price cap and switching to a fixed deal is over 60% more expensive than rolling onto the standard variable tariff.
Do nothing with your energy supply when your current deal ends and you will automatically be placed on to the price cap.
The message to customers from British Gas, which operates as Scottish Gas in Scotland, was first reported on by MoneySavingExpert who is advising customers to “ignore” the offer.
It notes how the Exclusive Fix May 2023 tariff offered by British Gas costs a typical user £1,621 a year - but this is £344 more expensive than the current £1,277 a year price cap.
MSE says British Gas argues that the fixed rate reflects what the price cap might rise to in April 2022.
Households have been warned to brace themselves for even bigger energy price hikes in the spring - as expert forecast average bills could hit £2,200 by next winter.
An example of the emails from British Gas reads: “You can switch immediately to the cheapest like-for-like tariff, Exclusive Fix May 2023 in just one click by pressing the button below.”
Customers are then instructed to confirm if they want to switch by December 22.
A British Gas spokesperson said: “We know the uncertainty of rising energy prices is a concern and some of our customers want to secure a fixed deal now so they know what they will be paying over the next two years.
“This fixed deal reflects the huge increases in global gas prices - however we believe it is still better value over the long term given the increases expected at the price cap change in April.
“If any customer is struggling with their bills, we’d urge them to get in touch so we can help and the British Gas Energy Trust is also available to help anyone - not just British Gas customers.
“Additionally we have provided a £2 million winter fund to help the most financially vulnerable British Gas customers this winter.”
Are you worried about affording your heating bill this winter? Let us know: mirror.money.saving@mirror.co.uk
If you have accepted the switch from British Gas and you've changed your mind, you do have the right to cancel if it has been less than 14 days.
You can call the British Gas Energy helpline on 0330 100 0056 to arrange this, or fill out the British Gas Tariff Cancellation Form and send it back using the email cooling-off@britishgas.co.uk.
The energy price cap - which limits the rates you pay for gas and electricity - was put up in October off the back of skyrocketing wholesale gas prices.
Ofgem has raised the price cap for standard and default tariffs from £1,138 for a typical user to £1,277 - an increase of £139.
Meanwhile, the price cap for prepayment customers rose by £153 from £1,156 to £1,309.
Energy experts predict the price cap will go up again next year.
