The retail sector will be hit by an average 1% rise in energy bills, while convenience retailers can expect to pay slightly more, according to management consultancy Inprova Energy.

The Government’s new energy capacity market surcharge, which forms part of its Electricity Market Reform, will come into effect from November 2017, with suppliers beginning to increase their charges from April 2017.

Speaking to Retail Express, Inprova lead analyst Michael Hill said: “In theory, convenience retailers will pay more, as fridges running during the peak time of 5-7pm November 2017 to February 2018 means a slight rise above average should be expected.”