How to cut your energy bills

Ask what savings are available for different payment methods - for example, it is usually cheaper to pay your bill by monthly direct debit payments. Some suppliers may have different prices depending on how much gas or electricity you use.

Make sure that you compare like with like (for example direct debit with direct debit) and that the prices include VAT.

Although when you change suppliers you can also change they way that you pay, for example, you can choose to switch from quarterly bills to monthly direct debits.

Do you have a standing charge?

Some suppliers have a standing charge as well as a charge for the gas or electricity you use. Others do not have a separate standing charge but the unit price of the gas or electricity you use is likely to be higher.

This will impact differently according to whether you are a low user or a high user of gas or electricity.

How long must you stay with a new firm?

This depends on what kind of contract you sign up for.

Rolling contracts

Most companies offer "rolling contracts" which means you will continue to be supplied until you decide to cancel. Under this sort of contract the supplier can change the price you pay but it must tell you within 10 days of raising the price.

If you decide that you want to change to a cheaper supplier you may do so without penalty.

Fixed term contracts

Suppliers may offer contracts that last for a fixed time, e.g. one or two years. Typically these contracts attract discounts, but if you change to another supplier before the fixed period is over you may have to pay a termination fee.

energyhelpline.com has a range of further useful advice - find out more about energy companies, the jargon they use and the deals they're offering.

If you decide to change supplier

*Remember the transfer process will take around 28 days

• Agree a contract
• Tell your existing supplier
• Pay your outstanding bill with your old supplier
• Your new supplier will take a meter reading around the time you change.
• Keep a record of the reading in case there is any dispute over the bill with your old supplier.

If you have a problem

If you have a problem then get in touch with energyhelpline.com directly by calling their freephone number on 0800 074 0745 or emailing them.

If you have a complaint about either your old supplier or you new one first tell the company involved - their address will be on your bill.

If you are not satisfied with their response and you want to take your complaint further go to the regulatory body listed below.

Gas and electricity - Ofgem
Telecoms - Oftel

About energyhelpline

energyhelpline.com is totally impartial.

It is one of five companies which has signed up to a voluntary code drawn up by Ofgem for companies providing price comparison services - on the Internet, by telephone or by post - which take away the need for people to do their sums when thinking about changing their gas or electricity supplier.

This code not only provides an industry standard but also gives customers the confidence to use these services as an easy way to calculate the savings they can make by switching suppliers.

How can I pay?

Suppliers usually charge differently according to the payment method you choose.

You may be able to pay weekly, fortnightly, monthly or quarterly and by cash, postal order, cheque, direct debit or, in certain circumstances, by a pre-payment meter. Some payment methods are cheaper than others, so you need to choose the method that suits you best.

How much do they charge?

All suppliers must publish their prices and send them to you on request. Ask what savings are available for different payment methods - for example, it is usually cheaper to pay your bill by monthly direct debit payments.

Some suppliers may have different prices depending on how much gas or electricity you use. Make sure that you compare like with like (for example direct debit with direct debit) and that the prices include VAT.

Although when you change suppliers you can also change they way that you pay, for example, you can choose to switch from quarterly bills to monthly direct debits.

Is there a standing charge?

Some suppliers have a standing charge as well as a charge for the gas or electricity you use.

Others do not have a separate standing charge but the unit price of the gas or electricity you use is likely to be higher. This will impact differently according to whether you are a low user or a high user of gas or electricity.

- Check who would be the cheapest provider for you?