As Bristol gets set to wake to colder, darker days after the clocks go back, a local MP is reminding residents they could be sitting on big energy bill savings, and urging them to consider switching supplier.
“With colder evenings and darker mornings, energy bills start to mount up, so this is the perfect time of year to consider switching supplier,” says Karin Smyth (Bristol South).
“Whether you’re a tenant or a homeowner, or have a prepayment meter, if you’re responsible for paying gas and electricity bills you could be sitting on big savings. Switching can cut bills so you can use more of your hard-earned money for other things.
“It’s easier than many people think to find a cheaper tariff, with plenty of online resources available that mean you don’t need to leave your laptop to save money.
“But there are many people without internet access, so if you have a relative or a neighbour who could use some guidance from someone who’s internet-savvy, they’ll surely appreciate your help.
“Around 2.3 million UK homes are living in fuel poverty, and we need to do more to end the scandal of cold homes. The problem has been made worse by rising energy bills, which test household budgets to the limit.
“Labour had pledged to protect households by freezing energy bills until 2017 and, whilst the current government has failed to take similar action, residents can often help themselves save cash by switching supplier.
“The Government does need to step up to the mark and take proper action to protect consumers by improving transparency and competition in the energy market and by giving the regulator the power to cut prices,” she added.
Examples of websites that allow you to find out more about switching are www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities and www.BeAnEnergyShopper.com
The clocks go back an hour overnight this coming Saturday / Sunday, 24 / 25 October.