Search: Become greener with your energy use
After two years of sky-rocketing utility bills, the 'big six' energy providers have finally started cutting energy prices charged to the consumer. Now is a great time to take stock of your household energy use and to also take advantage of the deals on offer.
ScottishPower, EdF and British Gas have all announced price drops on their standard tariffs this week of between 2% and 11%.
While it's good news that energy prices are finally dropping, the prices of wholesale gas and electricity have actually dropped by 55% and 25% respectively over the last year.
The energy companies, after announcing bumper profits last year totaling around ¯¿½5 billion; are now set to make even more money. In fact, they have not passed on over ¯¿½4 billion of savings!
So, what can you do to get the energy price drop you deserve?
The answer is simple: switch to your cheapest option using the Tiscali Energy Service powered by eneryhelpline.com. You could typically save up to £269 in a few minutes.
This is possible as the service compares all the cheapest tariffs from every supplier in the UK, including many special offers that you will not be able to get if you go direct.
These are tariffs not sold on doorsteps or in supermarkets but special online tariffs only available through price comparison services like the Tiscali Energy Service.
What do I need and how long does it take?
You just require your post code, your current supplier details, and roughly how much you use or spend.
With these details our calculator can work out how it would cost being on every tariffs available to you and then show you a results table with every single one ordered as you choose by price, service rating or just showing your green options.
Are there other things I can do to cut my energy bill?
Absolutely, however switching is the biggest and quickest difference you can make. Once you've switched then why not try to use less energy. This will help the environment too.
Energy saving tips
• Heat your home optimally. Living rooms should be at 20-21C and bedrooms at 18C. Every extra degree adds 10% or £40 to your heating bill per year.
• Close doors during the day to keep heat in rooms and close all curtains and blinds at night to keep the warmth in.
• Ask your supplier for some free energy saving light bulbs - many have a stash and are ready to give out 2 free to each customer who asks. And fit energy saving bulbs - just one bulb can save £100 over its lifetime.
• Replace old appliances - old fridge freezers and washing machines in particular can often cost up to £50 more per year to run than a new one.
If every household in the UK replaced their old fridge freezer with an Energy Efficiency Recommended one, electricity equivalent to the output of two typical power stations would be saved each year.
Find out whether you would be eligible for a grant to make your home more energy efficient.
If you want to know more about ways of saving energy you could contact your local Energy Efficiency Advice Centre by email or by ringing them on 0800-512012.
