Brits shiver to think how they'll pay their winter fuel bills

As the nights draw in and the use of central heating and lighting increases, 22 per cent of Brits say they are worried about how they are going to pay their gas and electricity bills this winter, and 19 per cent say that they will have to make cutbacks elsewhere to be able to keep the heating on. 

The survey of over 2,000 people, commissioned by price comparison site Gocompare.com, found that 18 per cent of people admitted they were cold last winter as a result of trying to keep their energy bills down. 

Yet, despite struggling to meet the rising cost of bills, only a fifth of those surveyed had switched supplier in the last 12 months, while 28 per cent had never compared energy prices.  Over a third (36 per cent) hadn't switched energy supplier because they thought that it was ‘too much hassle'.

Mark Greening, head of home services at from Gocompare.com, commented: "The peak period for energy usage is fast approaching, so now is a good time to look at your gas and electricity bills to see if you are getting a good deal or whether you need to change your supplier.  Continuing increases in wholesale gas and electricity prices are likely to be passed onto consumers and will be reflected in their winter bills. 

"However, there are savings to be made by simply using a comparison site like Gocompare.com to compare the deals currently available.  It only takes a few minutes to enter your details - which can easily be found on your last utility bill - and find the right tariff for your circumstances. Our customers could save up to £350.95 by switching supplier.  Once you've made the switch, your energy supply continues uninterrupted, the only difference you'll notice is the saving you'll make and your new supplier's name at the top of your next bill."