It's national Big Energy Saving Week this week(October 22nd-27th),which means a whole host of consumer watchdogs and price comparison services are coming together to urge householders to get a better grip on their fuel spend.
And Consumer Focus and Citizens Advice are just two such organisations that have partnered up to urge consumers to shop around before the winter cold really bites.
According to Consumer Focus research,just a third of customers compare prices before opting for an energy tariff-and so could be missing out on hundreds of pounds of potential savings each year.
Further research has found that six million households plan to cut back on heating and lighting this year as they look to keep a hold on their bills,but some simple changes around the home could make that unnecessary.
"Energy prices are a big worry for many households across the country and switching tariff and/or supplier is one way to help save cash off your bills,"said Consumer Focus's director of energy Audrey Gallacher.
"Yet many people either don't switch at all or switch without knowing whether they're getting the best deal available.Using a Confidence Code accredited price comparison site will put the information you need at your fingertips to help you decide whether to switch your energy firm."
And Gillian Guy of Citizens Advice echoed the comments,saying:"Just 15 per cent of people have switched to a different energy supplier in a bid to cut their bills-meaning many people are missing out on hundreds of pounds worth of savings."
With many households battling rising energy costs,simple changes to your heating and lighting behaviours could make a notable difference to your bills.
Install energy-saving LED bathroom lights or kitchen lights to help light your kitchen for less.LED outdoor lights can even be installed in the garden.
Similarly,minimising draughts and insulating your home will help keep it cosy without the cost.
