Make Sure You Pay Lowest Electricity Prices

Most consumers will have heard about recent cuts in electricity prices from British Gas, which follow on from gas prices cuts in February and cuts in both energy types from other providers in March. Now seems like a good time to check if your current provider is offering you with the best deal or if it is now time to switch in order to get cheaper gas and electricity prices.

Knowing if you are getting the best deal is difficult to determine. Although there are only several major providers in the UK, there are quite a few tariffs, including standard, online, dual fuel, and discounted night tariffs. Just to complicate matters still further, each of these tariffs has its own set of conditions.

The simplest method is to use a comparison service. There are online websites that allow you to compare electricity and gas prices with ease and at a time, day or night, that is suitable for you. Dig out your latest quarterly statement or take your electricity and gas readings so you can gain an accurate picture of the savings that are possible by switching to the cheapest provider in your area. Your location is also a vital piece of information when comparing tariffs and suppliers, as the energy prices vary across the country depending upon how easy it is to get gas and electricity to you.

When you start your quote, bear in mind that it is best to switch both your electricity and gas supply to the new provider. This is because you will often get a sizeable discount for receiving both of your energy supplies from the one supplier.

If you choose to pay by monthly direct debit you can save around 10 per cent on electricity prices and gas with most providers, compared to paying a quarterly bill. Using a direct debit is also great for those who like to know what they are going to pay out each month. With a direct debit you will pay around the same amount every month. In the summer months you may be paying slightly more than you are using but in winter the surplus you have accumulated on your account will be used to make up the difference on the bill. Direct debit will help you budget your finances.