The Affordable Energy Campaign Energy summit 2011
Richard Lloyd, Which? executive directorIt took years to get into this mess and it will take more than an afternoon to fix it
The average household energy bill is now over £1,300 and energy is consumers' number one financial concern.
With winter setting in, it's important that suppliers, the government and consumer groups take action to help consumers tackle the problem of growing energy bills.
On Monday 17 October Which? took part in the energy summit - a forum to find solutions that will help customers through the winter. Which? joined the Department of Energy and Climate Change, energy companies and other consumers groups for the discussions.
As result of the summit, Which? is backing the campaign: 'Check, switch and insulate to save this winter.'
Check if there's a cheaper way to pay
Many people are paying over the odds for energy and could get a cheaper tariff with their existing supplier. If you pay by cash or cheque, your supplier will be writing to you over the next few months to let you know how changing your payment method could save you money.
Switch to a cheaper energy tariff or energy firm
Many people have never switched their energy company but there are big savings to be made for those who do. Which? Switch customers save an average of £237 per year by switching their energy tariff.
Which? Switch has been set up to give a transparent, impartial view of all current gas and electricity options. If you'd prefer to speak to someone in person, you can call Which? Switch on 01992 822 867 to find the cheapest deals available from every supplier.
Which? Switch is one of the accredited switching sites, listed on DirectGov.
Insulate to save money
Every supplier is offering free or cut price deals for loft insulation and cavity wall insulation. These measures could help prevent your home leaking heat and save you up to £310 per year on your energy bill.
The energy summit is one of the first steps towards making energy more affordable.
Affordable energy
These are just some of the short-term offerings Which? is working on in conjunction with the government, energy suppliers and other consumer groups to help consumers save money over the winter.
Alongside the measures announced by companies, Which? believes that the government can now start taking action for long-term change in the industry.
We're campaigning for more affordable energy for everyone, and will continue to press for change in the energy industry. We want to encourage more competition in the energy market and ensure that energy companies rebuild consumers' trust.
- Register for our group energy campaign at The Big Switch
- Find out more about our energy tariff investigation
- Find out more about the 'Check, switch and insulate to save this winter' initiative
