Compare energy pricesAsk our expert pages
Ask our expert
- Can I remove the prepay meter in a rented property?
- How do I know if my house is already insulated?
- Is it cheaper to use gas or electricity for cooking?
- Are smart meters and energy monitors the same thing?
- How much would paying by monthly direct debit save me?
- What fuel should I chose for my range cooker/heater?
- Is now a good time to install solar panels?
- What is an IGT and why does it add money to my gas bill?
- Will energy saving bulbs really save me money?
- How can I ensure my student son only pays for the energy he uses?
- Which company offers the cheapest electricity for disabled people?
- Who offers the best Economy 10 rates?
- Should I switch energy suppliers to one of the smaller companies?
- Should I replace my failed Economy 7 system?
- Why has my bill gone up when I’ve used less energy than last year?
- How do I switch back to direct debit from a prepaid meter?
- How much energy does my freezer use?
- What’s the best way to heat a small terraced house?
- I’m an OAP - am I eligible for heating grants?
- How much will ‘going green’ cost me?
- Why do my energy bills keep rising?
- How do I register for British Gas Nectar points?
- Can I get a Warm Front grant to help insulate my home?
- Is a combination boiler right for a large house?
- Where can I get boiler insurance for my oil powered boiler?
- How do I find out who my energy supplier is?
- Does an Economy 7 tariff suit my needs?
- Should I keep my radiators on low all day?
- What do I do if I lose my prepayment card?
- Can I get solar panels for my office
- Can I get a double glazing grant
- Do I have to pay a fee to have my boiler registered?
- How do I switch my central heating from oil to gas?
Ask Our Expert
What should I do about the 7% British Gas price hike?
Dear Chris, I’ve just seen that British Gas is putting up prices by 7% and I’m one of their customers. I’ve already been worrying about putting the heating on this year and now I’m terrified.
My direct debits are high every month and with Christmas coming this is the last thing I need. What should I do?
Christine Dougal, Rochdale, via comments, Tuesday 8 November, 2010
Our energy expert says...
British Gas has blamed rising wholesale energy prices – the price they pay to buy gas – for their energy price increase. But, like many, you’re worried about your bills going up as you use more heating to combat the cold this winter.
Here’s my advice for the steps you could take.
- Check the name of your tariff. If you’re on a fixed-rate British Gas tariff, your energy prices are protected and that covers the 1.6 million British Gas customers. But, unfortunately British Gas has 8 million customers who will be affected by the price hike.
- Get out your bills and tot-up how much energy (kWh) you’ve used in the last year or during last winter. If you find this too difficult or you can’t find your bills, don’t worry – while it helps it’s not strictly necessary. Some good news is that all energy customers are set to get an annual energy statement from this December, which will clearly tell you how much energy you use.
- Go online and compare energy prices, you’ll find the best deal for you and if you don’t have the information on your usage – you can just enter the number of bedrooms and occupants in your household.
- Pick the best price deal for you and switch energy supplier – you don’t need to do anything else – your new supplier will communicate with British Gas for you.
Energy-efficiency steps to cut your gas and electricity bills
Now, you’ve got the best deal, you can make further savings by improving the energy efficiency of your home.
Heating and insulation grants may be available from your local authority, your energy provider may also be able to help with insulation and an energy meter – which will help you discover where you’re wasting energy.
You could also visit your local DIY store for simple fixes to cut down on draughts which won’t cost the earth.
For a full guide to energy-efficiency measures – download our Complete Guide to Energy Efficiency.
I hope this helps you make the switch to a cheaper energy deal, Christine. It really is very easy and could save you a fair amount this winter. People who switched energy deals in October saved on average £265 on their annual bills.
Ask us a question
If you have an energy question please email us at ourexpert@energychoices.co.uk