Boilers - Householders ''could save hundreds''

14/02/2008

Consumers who have never switched energy provider are spending money they do not need to on utility bills, according to an industry watchdog.

Five of the six biggest energy suppliers have implemented sizeable increases in the prices of gas and electricity in recent weeks and combined bills now average more than £1,000 a year.

With that in mind Georgina Walsh of Energywatch believes it is now more important than ever for householders to secure the best deal they can.

Around 50 per cent of people have never switched supplier and they are in a good position to secure lower bills, explained Ms Walsh, as new customers are almost always given better deals than long-standing ones.

"It's well worth switching, because you can probably save at least £100, even if you change to another supplier on the same tariff - you can save more if you change tariffs," she added.

The Energy Saving Trust recommends switching to high-efficiency condensing boilers, installing loft insulation and using hot water tank jackets as effective ways for homeowners to reduce their heating bills.