A consumer group claims that five out of six of the UK's top energy suppliers are charging more for providing energy to the customers. These suppliers are clearly infringing energy regulator Ofgem's regulations laid down in the beginning of this month for simplifying method of payments.

Zoe McLeod, from Consumer Focus, said: "We do have concerns that despite the introduction of these licensing conditions, consumers who pay by cash or by cheque on receipt of their bills continue to pay over the odds."

Usually, these companies are charging more from customers who pay by cash or cheque, the default and traditional method of payments. Mervyn Kohler, from Help the Aged, said: "It's a minefield finding out what the different tariffs are and an awful lot of customers haven't got the energy or technology to actually go and look for the best deals."

Online method of payment has emerged as one of the cheapest and safest methods for making payments. Data from comparison website, Confused. com claims that customers can save hundreds of pounds by using online payment method.