Almost 1 million non-switchers could pay-off Christmas debts by changing energy supplier

Nearly 1 million (900,000) people who’ve never switched energy supplier could cover the cost of their Christmas borrowing by changing to a better deal.

Nearly 1 million (900,000) people who’ve never switched energy supplier could cover the cost of their Christmas borrowing by changing to a better deal.

New analysis from Citizens Advice shows that around 3.2 million people in Britain borrowed up to £150 to cover the cost of Christmas in 2018, almost 1 million of whom have never switched supplier.

Even with the introduction of the price cap earlier this year, people could still save over £150 by switching supplier - and potentially pay off their Christmas bills.

With ‘Blue Monday’ just gone and the credit card bills landing, people across Britain are being encouraged to check, switch and save as Big Energy Saving Week draws to a close.

Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said:

“Switching energy supplier or tariff is often the easiest way to make big savings on your bills. Even with the price cap now in place it’s important to check that you’re getting the best deal.

“As well as switching, it’s important that people know that extra grants and benefits may be available to them. These can help take the pressure off their finances and support them to make their homes more energy efficient.”

Claire Perry, Energy and Clean Growth Minister, said:

“This Big Energy Saving Week is the perfect opportunity to check your bills, use the price comparison tool by Citizens Advice to see if you can get a better deal and switch suppliers and save money. And of course, even if you don’t switch, you will now be protected from rip-off tariffs thanks to this Government’s energy price cap.”

Tips to make savings

Check

• Check you are getting the best deal from your current supplier

• Check if there is a better way to pay your bills

• Most suppliers offer a discount for paying your bill by direct debit.

• You may also get discounts for receiving bills online. This cuts down on paper, so is cheaper for the supplier and better for the environment.

• Check you are getting all the benefits and help you are entitled to.

Switch

Many people stay on the same tariff or with the same energy supplier for years, without realising they could be getting a better deal elsewhere. By switching tariffs or suppliers, you could save over £150 on your fuel bill.

Save

The best way to pay less for your fuel is simply to save energy around your home.

• Insulation your home - approximately a third of heat is lost through the walls of your home, and a quarter through the roof.

• There are also lots of small things you can do to waste less energy or lower costs around the home, such as turning off lights and switching appliances off at the wall.

Big Energy Saving Week

Big Energy Saving Week (21-27 January 2019) is a national campaign run by Citizens Advice and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to help people cut their energy bills and get all the financial support they are entitled to.

To support customers to save money on their energy bills, Citizens Advice also provides an independent price comparison site and a customer service star rating which ranks suppliers’ customer service.

Notes to editors

1. Citizens Advice includes the national charity; the network of independent local Citizens Advice charities across England and Wales; the Citizens Advice consumer service; and the Witness Service.
2. Citizens Advice is the statutory consumer advocate for energy and post. We provide supplier performance information to consumers and policy analysis to decision makers.
3. The Citizens Advice Witness Service provides free, independent support for prosecution and defence witnesses in every criminal court in England and Wales.
4. Citizens Advice offers Pension Wise services at 500 locations in England and Wales.
5. Citizens Advice’s services are free, independent, confidential and impartial, and available to all regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.
6. To get advice online or find your local Citizens Advice, visit citizensadvice.org.uk
7. For consumer advice, call the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 or 03454 04 05 05 to talk in Welsh.
8. We helped 2.6 million people face to face, by phone, email and webchat in 2017-18. For service statistics see our monthly publication Advice trends.
9. Citizens Advice staff are supported by over 23,000 trained volunteers, working at over 2,500 locations in England and Wales.