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22/11/2004
Switching energy suppliers could save householders '£1bn a year'
Household fuel bills could be reduced by £1 billion a year through switching fuel suppliers and improving energy efficiency, an energy consumer summit in London has been told today.
Launching a new drive to get consumers - particularly vulnerable consumers - to 'switch and save' and cut the cost of fuel bills this winter, Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt and Energy Minister Mike O'Brien said that first time switchers could save up to £100 a year on fuel bills.
The summit also heard that changing payment method to direct debit could save around another £20 a year; pre-payment meter users stand to save even more; and cavity wall insulation alone could save a further £35 a year.
According to the National Audit Office, there are 26 million domestic electricity accounts and 20 million domestic gas accounts – and non-switchers are paying 22% more on their energy bills than those who have switched.
Ms Hewitt said: "We know that for many families fuel bills are a significant part of their weekly outgoings, and we need to do more to help the most vulnerable consumers benefit from big savings that are out there.
"Half of all households have never switched energy supplier, despite the fact that there are big savings still to be made. Our message today is simple - why pay more for your gas and electricity than you need to?"
The summit will launch the 'Energy Smart' awareness-raising campaign run by consumer watchdog Energywatch, industry regulator Ofgem and supported by the DTI. Representatives of vulnerable groups will also be at the summit to discuss how Energy Smart can reach those in greatest need of help in reducing fuel bills.
More than 11 million older people last year benefited from a total of £1.9 billion in Winter Fuel Payments.
(gmcg/sp)
Launching a new drive to get consumers - particularly vulnerable consumers - to 'switch and save' and cut the cost of fuel bills this winter, Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt and Energy Minister Mike O'Brien said that first time switchers could save up to £100 a year on fuel bills.
The summit also heard that changing payment method to direct debit could save around another £20 a year; pre-payment meter users stand to save even more; and cavity wall insulation alone could save a further £35 a year.
According to the National Audit Office, there are 26 million domestic electricity accounts and 20 million domestic gas accounts – and non-switchers are paying 22% more on their energy bills than those who have switched.
Ms Hewitt said: "We know that for many families fuel bills are a significant part of their weekly outgoings, and we need to do more to help the most vulnerable consumers benefit from big savings that are out there.
"Half of all households have never switched energy supplier, despite the fact that there are big savings still to be made. Our message today is simple - why pay more for your gas and electricity than you need to?"
The summit will launch the 'Energy Smart' awareness-raising campaign run by consumer watchdog Energywatch, industry regulator Ofgem and supported by the DTI. Representatives of vulnerable groups will also be at the summit to discuss how Energy Smart can reach those in greatest need of help in reducing fuel bills.
More than 11 million older people last year benefited from a total of £1.9 billion in Winter Fuel Payments.
(gmcg/sp)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A mostly cloudy start with scattered showers, the showers becoming more isolated and largely confined to the south this morning. Becoming brighter this afternoon, the best of any sunnier spells across northern counties. Northerly winds easing. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:A dry evening with late sunny spells and some long clear spells overnight. Becoming cloudier across the north towards dawn with a few showers possible. Touch of frost in south. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
