If you're looking to cut the cost of your monthly energy bills, then look no further than your computer.
I'm not saying your PC is an energy-hungry beast that should never be turned on. Rather, I'm talking about using it to
switch to an online energy tariff.
It works pretty much the same as your current tariff, except it's much cheaper: The average online customer spends around £185 a year less than their standard tariff counterparts, although some save as much as £344.
Yet despite the savings on offer, it is estimated that only around 1.3 million households (5%) are on online energy plans.
In fact, price comparison site uSwitch estimates that Brits would save a whopping £1.7 billion a year if we all
switched to an online deal.
Don't let price cuts keep you
Having read about the
recent energy price cuts, many households may simply have decided there's no need to switch.
However, as uSwitch points out, these cuts have averaged out at just 3.7% or £48, meaning anyone who hasn't switched is paying £333 more today than in January 2008.
“Consumers could recover much of this increase by going online where the rates are cheaper,” These rates are not given to households automatically - they have to apply for them.
“Whether it's down to lack of understanding, poor communication or apathy, there is absolutely no reason for large numbers of consumers to be overpaying for their household energy,” says Uswitch energy head Will Marples.
“
Online energy plans are where suppliers are offering their lowest prices - if households are not taking advantage if them, they are losing out.
Marples adds that, while many plans require you to get your bills by email, others will allow you to continue receiving paper bills if you prefer.
