Millions missing out on savings by not switching energy supplier

Meanwhile, there's £320m available to help pay bills

You can save cash by switching supplier (Images Money/flickr/Creative Commons)

Despite the many government campaigns to make switching energy supplier easier, some 2.5m homeowners have still never switched gas or electricity supplier. That means they’re missing out on savings of up to up to £291 a year on their fuel bills, reckons GoCompare.

Even those who have switched could be losing out by not switching regularly. The company’s research suggests that on average, homeowners last switched their energy supplier three years ago. Since then we’ve seen new independent suppliers challenge the Big Six firms with keener pricing and better deals.

“More suppliers has resulted in greater competition for customers’ business and Ofgem’s faster switching rules mean that changing provider has been made quicker and easier,” points out GoCompare.
Meanwhile there’s £320m up for grabs to help struggling people stay warm this winter. The Warm Home Discount means those in need could save £140 but there’s free advice available to anyone worried about paying their energy bills.

The Home Heat Helpline gives low-earners financial help and practical advice on managing their energy bills and energy efficiency measures.

If you know someone who may be in need of support, or if you are struggling to pay your energy bills or are worried about staying warm this winter, call the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99 or visit www.homeheathelpline.org.uk.

You can also call the helpline on behalf of a friend, or family member.