With the rising cost of fuel, a growing number of households are struggling to pay their gas and electricity bills, and may find themselves in fuel poverty. Apart from applying for grants to install energy efficiency measures, and looking at other simple ways of reducing energy use, if you are in this situation you could consider changing the way you pay for your energy.
- The price of gas and electricity varies enormously between different companies. Do a comparison using Uswitch to see if you could be paying less.
- Generally paying for both gas and electricity ('dual-fuel' tariff) by direct debit using an internet account to the same company is the cheapest way of paying. Paying by pre-payment meter is the most expensive way.
- Some fuel companies have developed social tariffs for their customers who struggle to pay their bills. Contact your energy supplier for their latest range of tariffs to see if you could get a better deal.
- Use the Energy Price Comparison Tool on the Consumer Focus website. Click here to compare your annual costs of gas and electricity from different suppliers.
- Find out what discounts, grants, and free help with energy issues you might be entitled to, by using the Help Finder on the Consumer focus website.