- Save on your bills
- Go green and save electricity

Usage statistics suggest that energy users are cutting back in 2008. Finding out exactly how much energy you use is key to reducing your energy consumption.

The energy measures recently announced by Gordon Brown – with their focus on funding energy efficiency measures – make it clear that the government’s solution to making energy affordable is through reduced consumption. The government has put in place only limited measures to bail out those consumers who will be struggling to pay their bills with winter.

The price increases of the summer (see below) will therefore be fully felt from October, as consumers complete their first full quarter since these announcements.

Gas prices have risen far faster than electricity, which will add to the difficulties in the months ahead as consumers turn on the heat at home. Approximately 75% of gas usage is concentrated in the 6 colder months of the year, and this will translate into an average monthly bill of almost £100 per month between October and March for gas alone. Should there be further price increases along the way, bills could go higher still.

Preliminary statistics suggest that UK energy consumers are responding to the steep increases in the cost of energy by cutting back on their consumption. Consumption data provided by consumers seeking to switch energy suppliers using this service, is so far showing a steep decline compared to years previous.

Here are our top tips to control your bills this winter:

We find that many consumers simply do not know how much energy they use over a year, and how this usage compares to a national average. Bills do not offer more than the last quarter’s worth of consumption, while the clock on your energy meters reveals nothing about the rate at which you consume energy throughout the year.

• Take a meter reading now and call your supplier (see the list of contact numbers below). Ask your supplier for two things:
1) your annual energy consumption in kilowatt hours.
2) If you are paying by Direct Debit, ask whether your Direct Debit amount is in line with your usage. Ask for your money back if you are in Credit.

Save on Gas
and Electricity

Enter your annual gas and/or electricity costs to the nearest pound

Annual electricity bill

Annual gas bill

Postcode

Search

• Compare your usage to our 2008 average.This will give you an idea if your usage is significantly out of line. If it is too high, ask your supplier for help. The recent efficiency measures announced by the government place responsibility on the energy providers. So ask about the availability of grants, if you think your home could benefit from better insulation.

• Switch. You now know how much energy you use in kilowatt hours, and this will allow you to run an accurate comparison quote. Switching energy supplier benefits your pocket (our customers currently benefit from average savings of £200 or more), and by voting with your feet you are doing your bit to keep energy providers honest.

Our service is powered by a long-standing energywatch-accredited price comparison service, with many useful features to help you find the best deal very quickly.

Taking these three steps will take no more than 30 minutes all in all.

Not taking action now might deliver a truly nasty surprise when the winter bills hit your doorstep.

Like to speak to someone about switching your provider? Call one of our Unravelit Energy Advisors on 0800 279 4091.

Got your meter reading? Then call your supplier on the number below
Atlantic Electric and Gas: 0800 107 3204
British Gas: 0845 955 5300
E-On: 0800 195 2223
EDF: 0800 096 9000
Npower: 0845 672 0073
Scottish Hydro: 0800 107 3202
ScottishPower: 0845 729 2292
Southern Electric: 0800 107 3203
Swalec: 0800 107 3202
Other suppliers – the customer service number will be printed on your bill.