Gas and electricity prices have risen substantially in the past 12 months. The National Housing Federation suggests that "Annual electricity bills are expected to increase to more than £500 a year, while gas bills soar to around £900 by 2010."
Taking action to reduce energy bills for gas and electricity is a priority. The good news is that this objective can be achieved through greater home efficiency and by using the services of utility comparison sites.
Cost Cutting Methods On Gas and Electricity to Reduce Fuel Poverty
- Pay by direct debt. Most utility bills can be reduced by up to 7% by paying by direct debit for gas and electricity. This helps offset some of the recent price rises and cut fuel poverty.
- Online energy plans. The prices secured online are in the region of 20% cheaper than standard price plans.
- Use dual fuel. Utility bills for gas and electricity can be combined allowing the customer to save money on standard single price plans.
- Loft and wall insulation. Putting insulation in place can substantially reduce heat loss. It is worth talking to the local council if fuel poverty or debt problems are an issue as many offer schemes to assist.
- Shower instead of taking a bath. Taking a bath uses up vastly more hot water and results in higher energy bills.
- Boil less water in the kettle. Boiling a full kettle of water uses unnecessary energy and increases utility bills.
- Close curtains at night. Closing curtains after darkness sets in helps keep heat in the room.
- Use the dishwasher and washing machine when they are full. Performing washes with half loads is wasteful and will increase costs.
- Wash clothes at night. Night rates are vastly cheaper than day rates so making this switch will also save money.
- Don't heat rooms that aren't occupied. Heating unoccupied rooms is just plain wasteful, not to mention costly.
Use Online Utility Comparison Sites To Cut Fuel Poverty
A number of utility comparison sites are available to compare gas and electricity prices. They have up-to-date data on all leading utility providers allowing customers to get the cheapest gas and electricity. Performing a check every 12 months ensures that the best prices are being attained.
It is possible to reduce fuel poverty by taking sensible measures to prevent wastage and get the cheapest gas and electricity prices. If money is an issue, there are a number of ways to save money on non-essential bills so that priority debts can be effectively targeted.
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