Online tariff could reduce energy bills
Monday, 23 November 2009 01:46
Managing energy bills online and paying by direct debit could save householders hundreds of pounds annually in gas and electricity costs, new research has found.
Price comparison website, Moneysupermarket.com, found customers paying their bills quarterly by cash or cheque could save £250 per year by switching to the best value online deals and paying monthly by direct debit.
Online tariffs allow customers to manage their bills, and provide metre readings, via the provider's website.
Meanwhile, households who have remained loyal to the gas and electricity supplier for their region could miss out on an average of £314 worth of savings, which swapping suppliers to the best online deal could provide.
Moneysupermarket's research found customers in the East Midlands could make the greatest savings, cutting their bills down by £349 per year just by switching to best deal.
Scott Byrom, of the website, said: "Looking at the savings to be made by swapping away from your incumbent provider, and ensuring you pay by monthly direct debit, should be the first port of call for people looking to save money on energy bills."
Paying by direct debit allows the bill payer to spread the cost of their bill equally each month, instead of forking out a lump sum every quarter.
Online accounts mean customers pay the exact cost, not an estimated amount. Moneysupermarket.com said paying bills by direct debit on these tariffs is cheaper because providers' administrations costs are reduced.
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