How to reduce energy bills following SSE price hikes

Alastair Harnby, Marketing Director at Moneyextra.com gave his view on the recent Scottish and Southern Energy price hike: "The announcement of further energy price increases will no doubt put a tighter squeeze on household budgets. It will be important for consumers to become wiser spenders in all areas in order to compensate for a larger proportion of their income going to energy bills. Consumers need to take precaution now by reducing their bills and staying out of debt."

Moneyextra.com, who are running a service to help consumers switch over energy providers, have created a list of 5 tips to help consumers reduce their utility bills.
 
5 Tips to help reduce utility bills:

1. Combine gas and electric bills as these are typically cheaper together than separately.

2. Select paperless billing, as many utility providers give reductions for online billing.

3. Where possible pay by direct debit as this will grant you access to better premiums.

4. Read the literature that your supplier will send you with regards to saving costs, e.g. insulating your house, etc.

5. Switch to a fixed-rate tariff to protect from further price increases.