How to cut your utility bills

Energy companies also offer a range of lifestyle benefits, which could also help you save money on your bills. As such they're well worth investigating and taking advantage of if you can:

Choose to manage your account online.
This means you take responsibility for meter readings and receive bills by email. Online accounts can be cheaper because running the account yourself online cuts the company's spend on meter readers and postage, for example.

Pay by monthly direct debit
Energy suppliers want you to pay by monthly direct debit so this can offer savings. Receiving payments automatically saves companies administration costs so direct debit customers get a discount.

Economy 7 deals
Consider an Economy 7 deal if you have timer devices on any appliances. This way you can run the dishwasher at night, for example, when energy costs less. Submit meter readings regularly.

Read your meter and email or phone readings in to the energy company. Without accurate readings, suppliers estimate your bills and the estimates can be higher than the amount used.

High street loyalty points
If you want to earn loyalty points from supermarkets or high street shops to get discounted petrol or shopping, choose tariffs offering this benefit. Read the list of retailers to see if you use any of them regularly. If you don't, it probably isn't worth it. Unlimited heating for older customers

If you're over 60, some energy companies offer unlimited energy options for a fixed price tariff. These tariffs can save money if you keep your heating on all-year-round or just more than average. Compare the amount your bills cost now with search results. Will a move save money or offer greater comfort with little extra charge?

Carbon neutral energy
Going green with a carbon efficient tariff is increasingly important to many. It is still more expensive to buy energy this way, but some think this is a price worth paying for renewable energy. These tariffs either offer energy produced in a less environmentally harmful way or the supplier invests in green projects to offset your carbon emissions.