How to cut your utility bills

Saving money is the only serious reason to switch energy suppliers so it's important to get this stage right. Here's how:

• Use energy price comparison websites to find the cheapest dual fuel tariff for your usage and compare this to the total cost of the cheapest stand-alone gas and electricity tariffs. Choose the cheapest option.
• Compare how much you pay for current bills against the search result with the biggest saving.
• Don't forget, you may still have to pay a penalty for switching if you are on a fixed or capped tariff. Phone your current company to see if you can switch penalty free. If you can't, add the penalty amount to the figure.
• Check the saving you can make is big enough to make the switch worthwhile. If not, write down the end of your deal and wait until then to move penalty-free. Some deals reduce the penalty shortly before the deal ends so look out for this too.
• If you'll save enough by switching to make it worth your while then the only thing left for you to do is to switch.

Check the service record of the energy company you plan to move to. It's good to save cash but find out if the new company has a reasonable service record - better service may mean a smaller cost saving, so weigh up how important this is to you.

Information you need to switch suppliers

Each website will be different, but you'll be asked to confirm all your details before the switch can take place including

• Your full name
• Your address
• If you owe your current supplier any money
• Your MPAN number or S number
• Your MPRN number or M number
• Bank details and preferred payment date

Your MPAN or 'S' number (electricity meter number) or MPRN or 'M' number (gas meter number) should be detailed on your bills. However, for more help you should call your gas supplier who can tell you, or contact the electricity meter helpline on Tel: 0870 608 1524.

To switch you will need to:

• Apply to switch your gas and or electricity supply - either via the energy comparison site you used to compare deals or direct.
• Check and sign the contract you are sent by your new supplier.
• Your new supplier will notify your existing gas and electricity providers that you intend to switch so they will send you a final bill if you have any amount outstanding.
• Cancel any direct debits you have in place for your current gas & electricity suppliers and set up new ones for your new provider if you still plan to use this method of payment.
• Submit meter readings to your new supplier when requested.

You can change your mind within 7-14 days, known as a cooling - off period. The move should take roughly six to eight weeks to complete.