With energy bills increasing over the last few years and household budgets being quite tight, wasting money by paying too much to your energy supplier is not the way to go. What we have done here is to show you some tips that you can use and save money instantly.
1. Use switching sites
One of the easiest ways to save on your energy bills is review your tariff by using switching websites.
As long as you have your gas and electricity usage figures or if you know what you are paying for your current bills, then you will instantly be able to compare your tariff with some of the best offers on the market.
The process literally takes a few minutes and you could be saving £100s that can go towards that hard earned holiday.
Remember to do this once a year or just before your current deal runs out, so you don’t miss out on any potential savings.
2. Fix your current tariff
If you don’t feel comfortable with switching your supplier, then have a word with them about the best way to protect yourself from immediate price hikes. You energy supplier should have price fixing deals in place, which will mean that you lock yourself in for a period of time and not have to worry every time they announce a price change.
3. Go direct debit
The direct debit route means you are switching to a fixed amount every month. This offers certainty of payments to the energy suppliers and also they will earn interest on any immediate overpayments, which means they can offer you a cheaper energy tariff deal.
Just be careful that you are not underpaying too much, as you may be stung with a big adjustment to pay at the end of the year.
4. Get a frequent meter reading
Energy companies tend to bill you based on estimated readings, which means they may not be reliable. So once you get a bill – check it by comparing the reading to the meter, because you could be unnecessarily overpaying the amount that is due. Obviously if you are underpaying you will be able to spot it early and avoid getting stung at a later date.
5. Avoid pre-pay meters
Pre-pay tariffs tend to be more expensive than standard tariffs. Try and get a billing meter installed, which will instantly open you up to other cheaper tariffs on the market.
6. Go for dual-fuel
Dual fuel deals usually mean cheap fuel prices. Most energy suppliers will offer you a dual fuel discount if you sign up to a dual fuel tariff with them. This will usually manifest itself as a monthly or annual discount straight off your energy bills. It is also easier for you to get your head around as well because you have one supplier and hopefully one set of bills to deal with.
7. Go paperless
Internet based billing is cheaper for the supplier to administer. If you are ok with computers then get yourself signed up and you could be saving on a lot of admin costs.
Think we missed something? Do you have a different opinion?
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Just moved into a new house so going to work my way down this list. Have a friend who has just switched to OVO through Uswitch, so maybe I’ll do the same, although i’ve heard Firstutility are cheaper still. Anyway very helpful, clean and concise.