Money
Getting the best deal
How to keep your fuel bills low
With winter upon us, now is the time to make sure you are not paying over the odds for your gas and electricity bills, writes Holly Thomas
British Gas has launched its latest cut-price deal offering its 'Click Energy 4' tariff, claiming that it now offers the cheapest dual fuel - both gas and electricity - rates of any of the major suppliers. This is an internet-only tariff and you have to sign up and manage the account online.
As temperatures outside plummet and central heating systems are fired up, those that have never switched their energy supplier should spark into action now - and save hundreds of pounds.
The good news is that already energy companies are stepping up the fight to attract new customers with the launch of new deals from suppliers.
Powergen and Scottish & Southern Energy have also introduced new deals.
Of the big six providers, only Scottish Power and EDF Energy have yet to show their hand.
Most believe, wrongly, they will be switched automatically to a better-value deal when their supplier cuts prices. This is incorrect - you need to apply for the new tariff or you will remain paying the old and expensive rates.
It is estimated that millions of people have never switched their energy suppliers which means they are paying hundreds of pounds extra a year.
Switching suppliers is now easier than ever before and energy firms need to compete on both price and service levels if they want attract and keep customers.
You can use the internet to find the best deal by keying in a set of simple details such as your postcode and the cost of average annual bills. There are a host of switching services to be found by using any internet search engine.
As winter draws in, you can look further than choosing a new energy supplier to keep bills down.
Insulation in a property's loft space can help knock up to £170 off your annual bills. You can also save a more modest amount by insulating the floors.
You can get help with the cost of insulation from many sources, particularly if you are receiving benefits.
A good place to start is to check the Energy Saving Trust (EST) website (www.est.org.uk), where you can key in your postcode and some brief personal details and it will tell you what your local authority and various other sources can offer you.
In cases where you are not eligible for cash you can learn of discounts being offered at various DIY outlets in your area.
You can also take up offers from any of the energy companies, regardless of which one supplies your gas and electricity.
Consider installing an energy-efficient condensing boiler. Condensing boilers are the most energy-efficient and can save as much as £180 a year.
There are other, smaller things you can do to cut costs and energy waste.
Buying a jacket for your hot water tank for about £10 will more than pay for itself in a year, while switching to energy-saving lightbulbs saves £7 a year for each one you replace.
* Holly Thomas' views are her own and for general information only. Always seek independent financial advice.
