Energy price hikes have brought people to feel the need for change. Approximately half of the UK’s households have never changed their gas or electricity tariff but only 20 per cent of people surveyed now say they wouldn’t change their tariff if an annual saving of up to £200 was on offer. Research by price comparison site moneysupermarket.com shows energy users could save a whopping £483 by swapping – well over double the saving that most people crave. Scott Byrom, utilities manager at moneysupermarket.com, said: “The hammer blow of two rounds of price hikes so far in 2008 means people are in more need than ever to tighten their purse strings. Gas has risen by 52 per cent since the start of the year and electricity by 28 per cent. Every pound counts at the moment, especially with other day to day living costs on the rise too. “With winter looming, it’s encouraging to see a large proportion of bill payers are actively looking to save.” Londoners and the Welsh are keenest to save, with only 17 per cent of them being unimpressed by a saving of £200. Those in East Anglia though are least likely to change, with 25 per cent unmoved by a £200 cut, including an astonishing 16 per cent saying they would never change.

Scott Byrom added: “The survey found 11 per cent of people would never swap supplier, which is quite worrying. I would have thought a potential saving of £200 would have been enough to convince everyone to take that simple step. “British Gas Click Energy 5 is the cheapest tariff on the market at present, but its price might increase soon. Even if it does, virtually all online, monthly direct debit tariffs will still be cheaper than any Standard deal.

“I advise anyone languishing on a Standard tariff to move on to the best deal now to avoid wasting your hard earned cash. For bill payers seeking security in their outgoings, fixed tariffs should also be considered. Scottish Power’s Fixed Price Energy 2009 is cheaper than most Standard tariffs, but of course more expensive than online offerings.”

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