Consumers missing out on energy savings

As most people receive their quarterly energy bill for the winter period, a survey of more than 6,000 Which? members, by Switch with Which?, reveals that only 15 per cent have switched energy supplier in the last 12 months.

Around three in ten of those who hadn't switched said it was because they didn't think it would save them much money, but people that changed supplier or tariff using Switch with Which? saved £257 on average - enough to pay for a romantic Valentine's break, a Which? Best Buy Sony Bravia LCD TV or 571 pints of milk!

Of those who did take the plunge, 90% found it easy to do and most used a switching website. When asked why they had changed their supplier, price topped the list.

Customers can also make savings without switching supplier, by changing to an online tariff, paying monthly by direct debit or choosing a dual fuel option, where gas and electricity is provided by the same supplier.

Alison Morrison, Switch with Which?, says: "There's no doubt that 2009 is going to be a tough financial year and we're all looking at ways to cut our spending, particularly as the winter energy bills start arriving. People may be alarmed at the impact of last year's price increases and shouldn't bank on energy companies cutting their prices by as much as they increased them.

"The potential for an extra £250 in your pocket is a great incentive to change your energy provider or tariff, and help get the year off on a sound financial footing."

Customers can also save on their bills by making their homes more energy efficient, for example, energy-saving light bulbs use up to five times less power than incandescent ones. Switch with Which? suggests making light fantastic with these top tips:

Turn off lights when you leave a room and invest in energy saving light bulbs - the Ikea Sparsam stick scored the highest in a recent Which? test

Lowering the temperature of your thermostat by 1ºC can reduce heating bills by up to 10%

Stop suffering from standby and turn off TVs, computers, radios and plug points when you're not using them

Whether you're cooking or making a cup of tea, only boil as much water as you need and use the small gas ring or hob if possible

Energy-efficient appliances are a great way to save money on bills. If you don't have an ‘A' rated washing machine, try lowering the temperature of your wash.