uSwitch highlights increase in energy bills

02/01/2009

Last year saw a big rise in energy bills for UK householders, stats compiled by uSwitch have shown.

The financial website said that the typical British family now has to pay £1,293 for their gas and electricity every 12 months.

At the beginning of 2008, this total stood at just £912.

With Britain in the throes of a cold snap - and with the economic downturn causing a rise in unemployment and putting the squeeze on people's budgets - energy bills seem set to become a higher priority for many Brits due to the increased costs.

However, uSwitch claims that the year's price rise can be cancelled out by savvy householders.

Ann Robinson, director of consumer policy at uSwitch.com, said: "Consumers are yet to feel the full impact of this year's price rises in their winter bill, but still have time to do something positive about it.

"Rather than waiting for suppliers to reduce prices, I would urge all householders to take action now by ensuring they are paying the lowest possible price for their energy and learning to use less of it."

She added: "Moving to dual fuel, paying by direct debit and signing up to an online plan will all help save money - in fact switching to a competitive plan could save you up to £350."

Tags; Housing Debt and Bills, Young Family Finances, Retirement Money Problems, Credit Card Lifestyle, Recent Graduate Debt,

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