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Who is the cheapest energy supplier?

On the subject of cheaper tariffs and switching energy suppliers, our expert says...

Hi Melissa,

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

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 a number of things, including:

• Where you live
• How much energy you use
• The tariff you are 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 £1,941* by switching.

Compare energy prices >>>

Energy price cuts

So far this year, five of the “big six” energy suppliers have announced price cuts:

British Gas (www.britishgas.co.uk)

• Price cut: 10% gas, from 19 February
• Savings: Cutting the average annual gas fuel bill by 10% to £793

Scottish & Southern Energy (www.scottish-southern.com)

• Price cut: 4% gas and 9% electricity, from 30 March
• Savings: Reduction of £66 on the average dual fuel bill

EDF (www.edfenergy.com)

• Price cut: 8.8% electricity, from 31 March
• Savings: Reduction of £40 on the average dual fuel bill

Scottish Power (www.scottishpower.co.uk)

• Price cut: 7.5% gas and 3% electricity, from 31 March
• Savings: Reduction of £54 on the average dual fuel bill

E.ON (www.eonenergy.com)

• Price cut: 9% electricity, from 31 March
• Savings: Reduction of £44 on the average dual fuel bill

npower (www.npower.com) is yet to announce any reductions, and experts are predicting a second round of cuts later in the year.

Sign up to our energy news RSS feed to make sure you stay on top of any 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 information 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 Melissa!

* Between 4 January 2009 and 4 March 2009, customers using our service saved an average of £153.09. The maximum saving was £1,941.

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

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