31 March 2009
Households throughout Britain received a much-needed boost today (March 31st) following the introduction of new energy price cuts.
British energy customers are set to have an average of 3.2% shaved off their annual bill as a result of the cuts - equivalent to a saving of £41.
However, this is a small consolation, with bills having risen by 42% last year and the average energy bill standing at £1,293 for the whole of 2008.
After the reduction, the average household can expect to pay £1,252 per year, with the cheapest supplier likely to be Scottish and Southern Energy where customers will pay £1,192 for a standard plan.
Tom Lyon, energy expert at uSwitch.com, explained that there are a number of ways households can cut prices by switching providers.
He said: "Consumers could actually cut their own energy bills by up to £350 just by switching.
"They should move to dual fuel, pay by direct debit and sign up to an online plan to enjoy lower prices straight away."
Energy regulator Ofgem last week called on energy suppliers to make improvements to the way that they manage direct debit payments.