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Match your tariff with your usage for cheaper energy bills
Tuesday 23 June, 2009
By becca.talbot@consumerchoices.co.uk
Consumers are being urged to evaluate their energy consumption as research reveals that cheaper tariffs may be available for households on “average household” energy plans.
Many British households could be paying more for their gas and electricity by signing up to an energy tariff that doesn’t match the amount of energy they are using, according to new figures from moneysupermarket.com.
When looking to switch energy suppliers, the majority of customers will choose from costs based on the average consumption of a medium house - 3,300 kWh of electricity and 20,500 kWh of gas. However research has shown that levels of use can differ depending on the size of your home and your location.
Scott Byrom, utilities manager at moneysupermarket.com said: “The figures for an ‘average’ house are used in advertising and as the default numbers when comparing prices. So, if you don’t know your typical energy usage, you may well choose a tariff that isn’t the best deal for you and doesn’t represent your household’s consumption.”
WebSaver 3 from British Gas (www.britishgas.co.uk) is currently the cheapest energy tariff on the market across all of Britain’s 14 regions for an “average” household, with an average annual dual fuel bill of £1,018.
However, for “low users,” such as those living in flats or on their own, the SOL 15 tariff from npower (www.npower.com) offers the best value option for 12 regions with an average bill of £527 a year for both gas and electricity.
The figures show that “low users” could save as much as £172 a year by comparing energy prices and switching from their regional supplier to the cheapest available.
Chris Eagle, commercial manager at EnergyChoices.co.uk said: “The figures show that online tariffs are where you stand to make the most savings on your energy bills, while paying by monthly direct debit will also help cut the cost of your gas and electricity.”
“When it comes to choosing your supplier and energy tariff though, it pays to shop around,” advises Eagle. “Just because a provider is cheapest for your neighbour, it may not necessarily be the cheapest for you. Evaluate your own consumption to find the right tariff to cut the cost of your bills.”
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