How to make your energy bills lighter next year

With wholesale energy prices on a downward spiral and the Government issuing harsh warnings to energy providers to treat consumers fairly, moneysupermarket.com predicts prices could fall by 20 per cent in the first quarter of next year.

However, there are huge savings to be made even before any impending price drops - leading price comparison site moneysupermarket.com recommends the following top tips to reduce sky high gas and electricity bills.

1. Swap from a standard tariff to online

There are considerable savings to be made swapping from a standard tariff to the provider's online alternative. A medium user could save over £270 moving from standard to online with British Gas WebSaver 1

Scott Byrom, utilities manager at moneysupermarket.com said: "Energy bills are well over the £1,000 mark and while the energy giants may cut prices in the New Year, changing to a cheaper tariff is something I highly recommend. With so many people needing to tighten their purse strings, a saving of almost £180 on average could make all the difference. Changing to an online tariff also gives consumers the opportunity to keep track of their payments and have a clearer idea of their balance by managing their account online. As well as swapping from standard to online, changing payment method to monthly direct debit will also guarantee savings."

2. Provide accurate meter readings

Providing accurate meter readings on a regular basis ensures bill payers only fork out for actual usage. Recent moneysupermarket.com research revealed nearly six million households are in credit to their gas suppliers, with each bill payer owed on average £79. That leaves UK consumers £449 million out of pocket; a tidy sum, especially at a time when every penny counts.

3. Find out your usage

Those living in flats or terraced houses may not be choosing the cheapest energy according to their energy consumption. A single person is a one-bedroom flat is a low energy user and will find the best deal for them will vary from a high energy user - a person living with their family in a three bedroom house for example. For dual fuel, British Gas WebSaver 1 is the cheapest product on the market for a medium and a high user in all of Britain's 14 regions, but for low users, npower comes up trumps offering the best deal3.

Scott Byrom added: "If you are unsure of your typical energy usage you may find that you are on a tariff that is not suitable for your level of consumption. Check previous bills or phone your energy supplier to get a more accurate idea of your usage and if need be, adjust your tariff to ensure you pay a more reasonable amount for your needs People are having to make their hard earned cash stretch further at the moment and there are savings to be made if consumers are willing to be proactive about their situation and make wise moves to reduce their payments."