The Consumer Council for Northern Ireland has unveiled a major public information drive to help households cut energy costs as winter sets in. Branded Switch On to Savings, the campaign launches to coincide with the clocks going back on 25 October and highlights practical ways to reduce bills.

The push follows steep rises in gas and some electricity tariffs at the start of October, alongside home heating oil prices that have almost doubled since the beginning of the year, intensifying pressure on household budgets, particularly for those on lower incomes.

Raymond Gormley, Head of Energy Policy at the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland, said: "This winter, many Northern Ireland homes could potentially face a problem around energy affordability, with many people wondering how they will be able to heat their homes adequately as the colder weather and dark nights begin to set in.

"At a time when household budgets are being stretched, it is important that consumers know where they can make some savings. From shopping around for the best home heating oil prices and checking electricity and gas tariffs to making small changes in how we use energy at home, there are a wide range of practical steps that can help reduce bills.

"While global wholesale energy costs remain outside consumers' control, there are ways to manage utility costs and it is important that everyone has access to the information, advice and support they need to make informed choices. This includes using the Consumer Council's free electricity and gas comparison tools to check if money can be saved by switching tariffs. If you are reliant on home heating oil for heating, have a look at our daily oil price checker so you know how much a top-up will cost and if prices are going up or down on previous days and weeks.

"Our message is simple: don't pay more than you need to and use our free online tools to help make every penny count." The Consumer Council's website hosts free comparison tools for electricity and gas, plus a daily and weekly home heating oil price checker that tracks average prices for 300, 500 and 900 litres across multiple locations, helping consumers decide when to buy.

Households are also encouraged to consider financial help, energy efficiency measures and budgeting supports that could ease costs this winter, including the Home Heating Oil Support Scheme offering a £100 digital voucher to eligible households.

Additional support and practical options include:

- Home heating oil support: A £100 payment for certain eligible households, subject to the scheme's qualifying criteria and availability.

- Energy efficiency grants: The Affordable Warmth Scheme and the Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme (NISEP) offer fully or partially funded insulation and heating improvements, including boiler replacement, for qualifying households.

- Oil buying clubs: Community buying schemes that allow households to purchase home heating oil collectively, potentially securing better prices.

- Oil savings stamps: Initiatives such as the St Vincent de Paul oil savings stamp scheme, helping households put money aside towards future home heating oil purchases.

- Payment cards and fuel stamp schemes: Budgeting options that allow consumers to save or top up funds regularly, including schemes operated in some council areas.

- Winter budgeting advice: Free information and practical guidance available through the Consumer Council website to help households plan their energy spending and explore ways to reduce costs.

- Dispute resolution: A free, independent dispute resolution service, helping consumers resolve complaints with their energy providers and ensuring concerns are heard and addressed fairly.

"Help is available, savings are possible, and households should avail of various types of support that is out there," Raymond Gormley said. "We hope that everyone will use that extra hour when the clocks go back to visit the website and see the practical support which is available."