Don't let energy bills burn a hole in your pocket in 2009

Consumers could be facing a heating hangover this January when winter fuel bills start to hit doormats.

The average household now faces an annual energy bill of £1,293 - up by £381 from £912 since the beginning of 2008. Households will be bearing the full brunt of these higher prices through the winter months, while using more energy to heat their homes. But, according to uSwitch.com, the independent price comparison and switching service, there are some simple steps that people can take to help reduce their energy bills in the New Year.

Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer Policy at uSwitch.com, says: "Rumours of price cuts tomorrow could be enough to stop consumers from cutting their own energy bills today. This is a wasted opportunity as consumers are yet to feel the full impact of this year's price rises in their winter bill, but still have time to do something positive about it.

"Rather than waiting for suppliers to reduce prices, I would urge all householders to take action now by ensuring they are paying the lowest possible price for their energy and learning to use less of it. Moving to dual fuel, paying by direct debit and signing up to an online plan will all help save money - in fact switching to a competitive plan could save you up to £350.

"Using energy efficient light bulbs, switching lights off and not leaving TVs and DVD players on standby, are simple steps that will help reduce the amount of energy you use. You should also talk to your supplier to see if they can help you with a grant or funding towards more expensive energy efficiency steps such as insulating your home or getting an energy efficient boiler."

Don't wait for price cuts - uSwitch.com's New Year guide to cheaper fuel bills:

1) Compare and switch - never switched? Then now is not the time to be complacent as you are likely to be paying a premium on your energy bills. Getting the right deal for you - based on where you live, your actual energy usage and how you like to pay - is key to saving those pounds. If you use a price comparison service, check that it is accredited under the Consumer Focus Confidence Code, impartial and upfront about how it earns its money.

2) Pay the easy way - if you pay by cash or cheque you could be paying £94 a year on average more for your energy than paying by direct debit. Not only is direct debit easy, but many suppliers offer a discount for paying this way.

3) Switch two for one - dual fuel (buying gas and electricity from one supplier) can save time and money. Not only do you benefit from dealing with just one bill and one supplier, but dual fuel plans can also offer a discount.

4) Go online - customers on standard plans are paying on average £170 more than new online customers. This is an easy saving to make - don't be put off by it being called an ‘online' plan as some suppliers will only expect you to register online and then manage your account in the same way as before.

5) Keep on top of energy bills - make sure you give regular meter readings to ensure you are being billed accurately and review your energy bills at least once a year to ensure you are still on the cheapest deal.

6) Insulate, insulate, insulate - don't spend hard earned cash heating up the street and not your home. Make sure your loft is insulated to a depth of at least 10 inches.

7) Shed some light on savings - contact your supplier or the Energy Saving Trust to find out whether you would be eligible for a grant or financial help towards making your home more energy efficient.

8) Switch it off - before you go to bed make sure you turn off all appliances such as TVs, computers and DVD players at the socket. Fit energy efficient light bulbs and make sure you turn lights off when not using a room.

9) Turn it down - most of us have the heating on way too hot. Turn it down by just one degree and you could save up to 10% on bills.

10) Cut out the draughts - check your windows and doors are sealed against draughts before the winter chill turns your home into an icebox.

For more information visit uSwitch.com