The price of electricity and gas is a contentious issue in the UK, especially as the effects of the global recession and stringent budget cuts take hold. Today, the average standard dual fuel bill - that's the cost of electricity and gas together - stands at £1,100 per year. This figure represents a huge chunk of a household's annual budget, so it's unsurprising that so many people are looking for ways to get cheaper electricity and gas.
If you're looking for a cheaper energy supplier, 2012 is shaping up to be a good year for switching your provider. Many major energy companies are cutting their prices, so you could see valuable savings by switching. Unsure of how to switch or who to switch to? Leading price comparison and money advice websites can offer you detailed and impartial information. With price comparison sites, for instance, simply enter your basic details and your current bill prices and you could be looking at a cheaper quote in a matter of minutes.
A related initiative aimed at helping households get cheaper energy bills is the Big Switch. Announced in February 2012, Big Switch encourages consumers to get together to buy electricity and gas in bulk, in order to take advantage of cheaper prices. The scheme is being organised by consumer group Which? and online campaigners 38 Degrees. Customers are invited to sign up by March 31 2012, after which time energy companies can submit their best deal. The winning offer will supply electricity and gas to all consumers who signed up to the Big Switch and the change-over process will be handled by Which?.
If you're unsure about switching or can't find a cheaper quote from an alternative energy provider, call up your existing supplier and speak to them about ways in which you can make your bills cheaper. For instance, some providers may offer a discount for customers to whom they supply both electricity and gas. Others may offer money-off if payment is made by monthly direct debit, or if your account is an online-only one. And if you're over 60, you could be eligible for cheap electricity and gas from certain suppliers.
Moreover, there are ways to reduce your energy bills without actually changing your tariff. Indeed, small changes in your daily routine can have significant money saving benefits. For instance, try line-drying clothes to eliminate the energy consumed by a tumble dryer, or wash clothes at 30 degrees instead of 40. Turn off the heating for two hours every day and warm yourself up with extra jumpers and a hot water bottle instead. Also, remember to switch off lights when you're not in a room, as well as turning off appliances like televisions, computers, hair straighteners and games consoles when they are not in use.
Sean Burke writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
