npower price hike
Paul Schofield, head of utilities at price comparison site moneysupermarket.com, said: "The great majority of npower’s customers will be hit by this hefty price hike. It is only those select few on non-Standard tariffs who will see prices unchanged."The best thing customers can do is immediately change to the cheapest available tariff which, in many cases, is British Gas Click Energy 4. If people want to fix their prices though, they should look to Scottish Power Online Energy Price Fall.
"The cheapest tariffs vary though according to what region you live in and how much gas and electricity you use."
Paul Schofield continued: "With energy prices rising, it is becoming even more important for Brits to do what they can to rein in spending on their gas and electricity bills.
"People are talking about £1,000 annual bills, but barely any of us should be paying that much if we follow some simple rules."
1. Find out your usage
"Most Brits living in flats and terraced houses are not choosing the cheapest energy product, so paying too much for their gas and electricity.
"British Gas Click Energy 4 is the cheapest product on the market for an 'average' house in 13 of Britain's 14 regions, but for people in small homes it is other providers, such as Scottish Power, Atlantic and E.ON, that lead the way.
"If you don't know your typical energy usage, you may well choose a tariff that isn't cheapest for you. Look at some old bills or phone your energy provider to get a good idea of your usage.
"For example, a low user in the South East will pay six per cent more for their gas and electricity if they choose British Gas Click Energy 4 instead of Scottish Power Online Energy Price Fall."
2. Swap from a standard tariff to online
"By swapping from the standard tariff from your energy supplier to its online tariff there are big savings to be made. A medium user in Newcastle, for example, will save over £200 if they move from British Gas's standard dual fuel tariff to Click Energy 4."
3. Swap from quarterly cash or cheque to monthly direct debit
"If you don't want an online product, you can still save by swapping from quarterly bills to monthly direct debit. For example, a standard Scottish Power medium user in Yorkshire will save over £160 by moving to its Price Fall NSC product.
"We have asked the industry watchdog to insist providers tell customers about cheaper tariffs, but in the meantime Brits need to act now to make sure they don't throw away their money needlessly."
moneysupermarket.com is further encouraging Brits to ditch their expensive tariffs by offering a one-off £30 cashback to users swapping to a dual fuel tariff through its site. Those changing a provider or tariff for gas or electricity only will receive £17.50.