Moneysupermarket.com: Fixed Energy Tariffs

How do you protect against price rises? While opting for an online or green tariff would work out as the quickest and easiest way to save money in the short term for those who are moving off standard tariffs, they will not protect you from the affects of further increases in energy bills.

People who want peace of mind should consider a fixed or capped energy tariff. These deals are more expensive than the best variable rate products. However, Scottish & Southern has just launched a highly competitive fixed tariff. Its Fixed Discount 2010 will cost the average household £911.92 a year. At £845.10 a year, British Gas’ online Click Energy 5 deal, is still cheaper but if prices do rise as analysts are forecasting the saving could soon be wiped out.

Anyone wanting to take up one of these fixed offers should move quickly as they have limited availability. To see how fixed tariffs compare please click here

Energy saving tips

You should also look to see if there is any way you can reduce your energy consumption and keep your bills to a minimum. Here are a few simple steps that can cut your bills by around 20% a year:

• Pay by monthly direct debit
• Turn your heating thermostat down by 1°C.
• Run your washing machine at 30°C.
• Use energy-saving light bulbs.
• Buy a lagging jacket for your hot water tank and insulate pipes.
• Don't use more water than you need when boiling the kettle.
• Turn the light off when you leave a room.
• Don't leave electrical appliances on stand-by - turn them off completely.

Click here to compare tariffs from UK Gas and Electricity Companies