CARLISLE residents have been told to seek advice if they're unsure of what to do in the face of a looming gas price crisis.

The energy industry has warned that domestic energy bills for those on a standard tariff could rise by 50 percent as of April.

The hike in prices is down to a number of reasons, including a dramatic increase in wholesale gas prices. Further demand from Europe and China last year sought the use of stored gas supplies. The year saw the closure of over 22 energy suppliers.

Citizens Advice are offering support to those unsure of what to do amid rapidly rising energy bills.

Nikki Scott, energy advice case worker at Citizens Advice Carlisle and Eden, said: "The general advice is do not switch energy supplier, but for some people that's not the right advice; it's very difficult to pick who should switch and who should stick."

Ms Scott said for anyone worrying about their energy bills, the best step would be to get in touch with Citizens Advice.

"If you've been on a fixed deal for the past two years and if you come off that to go on a standard tariff, you could see a rise of much more than 50 percent.

"For a lot of people this next six to eight months will be very difficult," she said.

Ms Scott would recommend looking at your most recent energy bills and see whether or not you're in a fixed term deal. If that deal expires before April, then it's worth seeking Citizens Advice.

The Citizens Advice offer free and impartial advice and will help assess what benefits people have coming in, debt and budgeting, also give effective advice on how to be energy efficient, she said.

"It's not often people get something for nothing these days, so I can understand why people are weary of coming to seek advice, but what we offer is education.

"You come to us and tell us what you want and we're here to help," she said.

When it comes to tips on how to get the cheapest tariff Citizen Advice recommend having an online account, pay by direct debit and make sure you possess a smart meter.

For further advice on what to do minimise your energy bill, contact 0808 278 784.