VICTORIAN householders face another power hit of up to $250 a year - six months after the last slug because of the carbon tax.
Energy Australia, formerly TRUenergy, has become the first major energy retailer to indicate its increases for next year.
Rivals Origin Energy and AGL are expected to follow soon.
It comes on top of price rises on July 1 because of the carbon tax and other charges.
St Vincent de Paul Society policy manager Gavin Dufty said the latest increases - which average 7.7 per cent statewide - would push some customers over the edge.
"This is just the sort of Christmas news families don't need," Mr Dufty said.
The charity's analysis estimates the average annual electricity bill will rise between $90 and $250 for customers on standard tariffs.
About one in four Victorian customers are on default rates, but all can expect similar percentage increases to their bills.
Customers in the SP AusNet zone, which takes in Victoria's east, face the biggest rise, with the average residential tariff up 10.7 per cent.
Jemena customers face an 8.9 per cent rise and those in the Powercor zone, 6.7 per cent.
Prices in the CitiPower and United Energy areas will both rise 6.2 per cent.
Energy Australia general manager David Hamilton said higher charges from distributors and the increased cost of government schemes were behind the increases, which apply from January 7. They are also raising gas prices, an average 3.3 per cent, adding $40 to $55 to annual bills.
"We understand that many households are facing rising cost pressures so its a difficult decision to increase prices," Mr Hamilton said.
"We are looking at ways to help people better understand how they can reduce their energy use and save money."
This included helping customers track their energy use and offering them tips to drive down costs, he said.
The hikes coincided with a critical agreement between Prime Minister Julia Gillard and state and territory leaders on new reforms aimed at stemming skyrocketing electricity costs.
The agreement hopes to address over investment in poles and wires and cut regulatory red tape.
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