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Who is the cheapest energy supplier?

Our expert says...

Thanks for your question. I know how confusing the energy market can be, and it isn’t easy to tell which the cheapest supplier is. Here’s a simple guide to comparing energy prices and making sure you’re on the best tariff for you:

Compare energy prices

Comparing prices using our online energy comparison service is the quickest and easiest way to find out how much you can save by switching to a cheaper supplier.

The cheapest energy supplier will depend on:

• Where you live
• How much energy you use
• The tariff you are currently on
• How you pay for your energy

To compare energy prices using our energy calculator, ask your current supplier to give you details of your current annual kWh usage (energy consumption) and enter these online. If you don’t have details on your energy consumption, then enter the number of bedrooms of your property into the calculator. We’ll then compare prices for you and show you how much you can save by switching.

You could save up to £923.08* by switching.

Energy price cuts

In the space of a week, at the start of 2012, all of the “big six” energy suppliers announced price cuts in either gas or electricity.

British Gas (www.britishgas.co.uk)

• Price cut: 5% cut in electricity prices on 12 January 2012, effective immediately.
• Savings: Cutting the average annual electricity bill by £26.

SSE ( www.SSE.com)

• Price cut: 4.5% cut in gas prices, effective from 26 March, 2012.
• Savings: Reduction of £28 on the average annual gas bill.

EDF ( www.edfenergy.com )

• Price cut: 5% drop in gas prices from 7 February, 2012.
• Savings: Reduction of £38 on the average annual gas bill.

Scottish Power (www.scottishpower.co.uk)

• Price cut: 4.5% cut in gas prices, with effect from 26 March, 2012.
• Savings: Reduction of £35 on the average annual gas bill.

E.ON (www.eonenergy.com)

• Price cut: 6% cut in electricity prices, with effect from 27 February, 2012.
• Savings: Reduction of £33 on the average annual electricity bill.

Npower (www.npower.com)

• Price cut: 5% cut in gas prices, with effect from 1 February, 2012.
• Saving: Reduction of £39 on the average annual gas bill.

Sign up to our energy news RSS feed to make sure you stay on top of any future cuts or price hikes.

The cheapest energy tariffs

The cheapest energy tariffs are available to customers who sign up to an online tariff and pay their bills by monthly direct debit. Most suppliers also offer discounts for customers with dual fuel (both gas and electricity from the same supplier). You should also start submitting your own meter readings, as estimated readings can often be inaccurate and you’ll pay more for a meter reader to visit your home.

For more tips read our guide on how to save money on your energy tariff.

Reduce your energy bills

Following recent energy price cuts, many people are confused over whether now is the right time to switch energy suppliers, and are eager to cut the cost of their energy bills.

There are other things you can do apart from switching energy suppliers that will save you money. Simple actions such as buying energy efficient light bulbs, and turning off your appliances when not in use will help reduce your energy consumption. Read our guide for more top tips on saving money on your energy bills.

And for more information on how to cut down your energy bills, download our free guide to energy efficiency.

Hope this helps you compare energy prices and switch to a cheaper supplier, Victoria!

* During December 2011, Energychoices.co.uk users who switched their energy supplier saved on average £163.59. Maximum saving was £923.08.

Ask us a question

If you have an energy query please email ourexpert@energychoices.co.uk