Given the scale of price increases during last 12 months, fuel poverty has become a huge problem. Gas and electricity suppliers have increased utility bills meaning that more people face electricity and gas disconnection.
Research released on 27th November 2008 by charity Age Concern, shows that "Around two in three over-65's are more worried that they will not be able to heat their homes sufficiently, compared with last winter."
Use Gas and Electricity Comparison Sites to Prevent Fuel Poverty
Customers loyally stay with the same gas and electric suppliers, but there is no loyalty in return. Only the rules with regard to electric and gas disconnection prevent fuel poverty from getting out of hand. Using gas and electricity comparison sites allows customers to get lower utility bills.
Tim Wolfenden, head of Home Services at uSwitch.com stated "By not switching, consumers could waste over £2.3 billion in total or £334 each. Those who have never switched before and are sitting on an uncompetitive standard plan have the most to gain."
Cavity Wall Insulation
Cavity insulation involves filling the gap between the two walls with insulating material. A third of all heat is lost through walls so it makes sense to stop this from happening. According to Energy Saving Trust "The average house could reduce utility bills by 15% through installing cavity wall insulation."
Loft Insulation
The installation of loft insulation "could save around £205 a year on heating bills." It is worth contacting the local council as grants are available to assist with the cost of installing loft insulation. It is easy to do and could have a dramatic impact on utility bills.
Don't Heat Unoccupied Rooms
Only heating the room that a person is in can dramatically reduce the cost of utility bills. It is very wasteful to heat rooms that may not be entered for hours. Electric and gas disconnection is far less likely if bills are kept under control.
Take Advantage of Price Reductions for Dual Fuel
Paying for dual fuel leads to cheaper gas and electric, as administrative costs are far lower for gas and electric suppliers. It is also advisable to take advantage of cheaper night rates for washing clothes. Paying by direct debit will normally result in a further reduction of 7% for prompt payment.
Turn the Heating Down to Reduce Utility Bills
According to Nick Clayton of The Independent, "Turning down the heating by just one degree centigrade, for instance, can reduce bills by up to 10 per cent." Instead of turning up the heating, try wearing thermal or warmer clothes.
Official government figures suggest that 22,400 older people died of the cold last winter. Whilst saving money is invaluable, staying warm is an absolute priority. The higher winter fuel costs can be caught up with during the warmer months.
More articles related to saving money that may be of interest include Cutting Costs and Saving Money and Cheap Children's Gifts for Christmas.
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