by Nisha Chopra

Households in Kent could be saving more than £300 a year if they switched energy providers, according to a leading comparison website.

The average energy bill for families in the county is an eye-watering £1,286 a year but all the six big energy companies are offering deals that might not burn quite so much of a hole in the pocket.

Despite the offers, across the country six in ten households have never switched supplier.

Ex-offender Igor Androsov, 52, from Chatham is struggling to pay his energy bills along with his family's water, food and travel costs.

He said: "I've had to declare myself bankrupt. We're on benefits which are not enough and I'm looking for a job but I can't find one."

He added: "I've just come out of prison - it's hard for offenders to find a job."

Now with the wintry weather starting to bite, Mr Androsov said he will have to use more energy to heat his home and his bills have increased by £60 a month.

He said: "It's very expensive and I'm afraid we won't keep our house properly warm. Last winter I was in prison and my wife was sick and alone with our child."

Earlier this week, Prime Minister David Cameron chaired a meeting with the six big energy firms to discuss rising prices, but he admitted he cannot force them to cut costs.

Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer Policy at uSwitch.com said: "Energy prices have rocketed this last year and households in Kent will be feeling the impact on their bills this winter."

She added: "I would urge local people to take action now by shopping around to see if they can save money with a different supplier."