How to cut winter energy bills

Friday, December 4th 2009

Consumers worried about high energy bills over the cold winter season can take steps to reduce costs in a number of ways.

This is according to the Independent, which advises paying by direct debit, switching suppliers to get the best deal and looking for online tariffs that are typically cheaper than more traditional price plans.

Staying aware of meter readings and submitting them to the supplier rather than relying on estimated bills can be useful.

"If you rely on your provider's estimated meter readings and their guesswork is wrong, you could be hit with an unaffordable bill later down the line," the newspaper says.

According to Consumer Focus, the average energy bill currently stands at about £1,239 per year if the customer is paying by standard credit.

Last year, gas bills rose by 51 per cent, while electricity costs saw a 28 per cent increase - but they have only fallen by six and eight per cent respectively this year.