Tariff switching
To help get a better deal on your gas and electric bills, you can look at tariff switching. There are a number of on-line tariff comparison websites.

All energy providers offer social tariffs to help their most vulnerable customers cope with the high costs of gas and electricity. According to Ofgem rules, all social tariffs must equal the supplier's cheapest deals.

Below are some useful questions to ask if you are looking to tariff switch. Also be aware that tariff pricing may be set for a limited time period only. So sometimes the best deals may not be the cheapest longer term.

Key Questions to ask before switching fuel supplier include:

• Ask over what period of time these prices are guaranteed
• Ask if there is a standing charge
• Ask what are the range of payment options available
• Ask where you can pay your bills
• Ask what happens if you can't pay your bills
• Ask if there are any special discounts
• Ask if there are any special services for older and vulnerable customers
• Ask if there are any cancellation or termination fees
• Ask if there are any special offers
• Ask if they provide energy advice
• Ask if they provide grants for energy efficiency measures

Contact your provider to check if you can be moved to a cheaper tariff if you're struggling to keep up with the rising cost of heating your home. Some useful contact numbers are:
• British Gas - The Essentials tariff, Tel: 0800 072 5230
• E.ON - Stay Warm tariff, Tel: 0800 169 4694
• EDF Energy - Energy Assist tariff, Tel: 0800 269 450
• Npower - Spreading Warmth tariff, Tel: 0808 172 6999
• Scottish Power - Carefree Plus tariff, Tel: 0845 2700 700
• Scottish and Southern - Energy Plus Care tariff, Tel: 0800 622 838

Priority Services Register
The Priority Services Register was set up for vulnerable customers. These customers are eligible for free services from gas and electricity companies if they meet certain criteria.
If the customer is of pensionable age, disabled, chronically sick, blind or visually impaired, then they can apply to join the Priority Service Register. To apply, please contact one of the following Priority Services teams:
• British Gas (Priority Services) Tel: 0845 955 5404
• EDF Energy (Priority Services Team) Tel: 0800 015 0533
• E.ON (Caring Energy) Tel: 0800 051 1480
• Npower (Warm Response Line) Tel: 0808 172 6999
• Scottish and Southern Energy (Careline) Tel: 0800 622 838
• Scottish Power (Care Free) Tel: 0141 272 6042

Price comparison
Consumer Focus have produced a code of practice called the Confidence Code for companies providing domestic gas and electricity price comparison services over the internet.
Websites that adhere to this code display the Consumer Focus Confidence Code logo on their site. Find out how much you could save by switching to a new supplier.
There are many energy suppliers who now offer 100% renewable energy so you can become effectively carbon neutral for your electricity by switching to one of the 'greener' providers. Renewable energy tariffs need not be more expensive than conventional ones, and in some cases you could save money, especially if you pay by direct debit.