I have an example - If you live in CB11 or CM6, spend more than £60 a month on one fuel and pay by direct debt, First:Utility, E.ON or Scottish Power are currently the cheapest providers (based on a general post code check on consumerfocus.org.uk, 22 Oct 2010). If you are with these companies check that you are on their best tariff by giving them a call! If you are with another provider or in a different circumstance, go on a price comparison site to see what you might save.
Top tips
1. Avoid surprises and debts! Read your meter monthly, check that the bill reflects your usage.
2. Change the way you pay, monthly rather than quarterly, by direct debit rather than cheque or cash will be cheaper.
3. Use a switching site like uswitch.com to shop around, consider buying both your gas and electricity from one supplier.
4. Fuel companies regularly introduce tariffs to attract new customers whilst keeping current customers on less attractive deals. Check on an annual basis at least!
5. Get friends and neighbours together and buy liquid fuel collectively – you will get discounts.
6. Contact the Herts and Essex Energy Partnership for grants and deals on insulation. These could be free if you are on qualifying benefits, or aged over 70. www.heepgrant.org, 0800 980 6026.
7. When you replace appliances and products, including light bulbs, look for the most energy efficient models.
8. Check if you qualify for the Priority Services Register. If you are over 60, disabled or chronically sick, you are entitled to certain free services from your supplier such as a free annual gas safety check.
9. Claim any benefits you are entitled to: If you are over 60 you may qualify for Winter Fuel Payment, Cold Weather Payments and Minimum Income Guarantee.
10. If you are in fuel debt, come and see the CAB! There are steps which can be taken to help you.
Daniel Barden, of the Saffron Walden Reporter, decided to put the CAB to the test and brought along his heating bills to see one of our advisers. By looking at price comparison sites uswitch.com and confused.com she worked out that Daniel, in his two-bedroom flat, could save himself £360 a year by switching from npower to ScottishPower!
