ENERGY bills have gone up again this year but millions could save cash now by switching providers.
Ofgem’s latest price cap means the average bill for those not on a fixed deal has risen by £1,717 a year to £1,738.
This cap will be in place until April and then experts predict the figure will increase again to £1,785.
The easiest way to dodge the hikes is by fixing your bills as many providers are offering tariffs which are LOWER than the price cap.
The cheapest deal on the market is from Outfox the Market 12 month fixes tariff and it costs £79 less than January’s price cap and £126 lower than April’s predicted one.
It does have an exit fee of £50 per fuel.
However, prices vary based on where you live.
For example, Outfox the Market Fix’d Dual 12-month contract costs £1,644 on average for customers in Southern England but in Wales it rises to £1,689.
That’s because there are 14 different “distribution network operators” across Great Britain, each having the power to dictate your energy costs.
Certain areas also face higher costs for maintaining and upgrading the local power networks that deliver electricity and gas to households.
Transportation costs also influence your regional standing charge – the daily fee you pay to stay connected to the grid.
With that in mind, The Sun, using data from Uswitch, has mapped out the cheapest fixed deal in each region of the UK to show how much you could save.
You can check it out by using the map below.
Customers in the East have a chance to save a whopping £111 if they switch to a two-year fixed dual offer from Outfox the Market.
But meanwhile, the cheapest offer for customers in Merseyside, North Wales, and parts of Cheshire only has the chance to save £26 with an 18-month fix, also from Outfox the Market.
Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at Uswitch.com, told The Sun that while there is nothing you can do about where you live but you can “take control” of your bill by switching.
He explained: “The best way to get personalised costs for your home is by entering your postcode and running a comparison to see if you could lock in lower rates.”
“The average household still on a default tariff could save up to £79 per year against the January price cap by fixing for price certainty.”
SHOULD YOU SWITCH AND FIX?
A fixed tariff can be a helpful way to make sure you are not at the mercy of a fluctuating market if the price per unit looks like it will go up.
However, it is important to remember that it does not mean your bill will be the exact same each month.
Your supplier locks in the price you pay per unit, but not how many units you consume.
The more energy you use in a month, the more you will have to pay.
However, these tariffs can be a helpful way to protect yourself from price hikes if gas and energy prices go up.
These types of contracts can also be a helpful way to manage your monthly spending.
But if energy prices come down you will still have to pay the price you agreed at the start of your contract.
Many suppliers also expect customers to pay an exit fee if you change your mind.
It is always important to read your contract before you sign up and talk to them if you have any questions.
You should always compare tariffs using a comparison website like uSwitch or MoneySupermarket.com before you switch.
WHAT OTHER OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?
You can also choose to stay on a standard variable tariff (STV).
SVT’s are typically more expensive than fixed deals as the price can vary as energy prices go up and down.
However, Ofgem’s energy price cap does put a limit on the maximum you can be charged.
The upside to using a SVT is that they are open ended and you will not be charged an exit fee if you wanted to switch.
Also the prices can go down as well as up, meaning you will get immediate access to lower energy costs.
But bear in mind, that also means you are not protected from price rises.
What energy bill help is available?
There's a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you're struggling to get by.
If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter.
This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.
If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don’t think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal.
Several energy firms have schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills.
But eligibility criteria vary depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.
For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000.
British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.
You don’t need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.
EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too.
Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR).
The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill.
Some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you’re struggling.
Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.
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