Energy Bills to Rise £35: Experts Urge Switching and Efficiency
Energy bills are set to rise again, with the average household facing an increase of £35 from 1 October. With 16% of households already struggling to afford further hikes, experts urge consumers to review their energy tariffs and consider switching providers to avoid overpaying.
Joe Dwyer, spokesperson for the comparison platform GoCompare, warns that households should not wait for the price cap increase to review their energy tariffs. He advises taking a meter reading close to 1 October to ensure energy used up to that date is charged at the lower rate. Dwyer also suggests locking in a fixed-rate energy deal to shield from future price increases.
Experts highlight that even without switching providers, challenging the current supplier can potentially help cut energy bills. Small changes at home, such as batch cooking and sealing draughts, can also reduce energy use and bills. However, 20% of households have never switched energy provider, and 29% have stayed with the same provider for more than three years, potentially missing out on savings.
With energy bills set to rise by 2% from 1 October 2015, households should take action to manage their energy costs. Reviewing tariffs, switching providers, and making energy-efficient changes at home can all help reduce bills. By taking a meter reading close to 1 October, households can ensure they are not overcharged for their energy use.
