Cheaper gas and electric bills could prove extremely valuable amid the credit crunch and households have been advised that by simply altering their utility payment method they could see their costs being reduced.
Indeed, moneysupermarket.com claims that if each bill payer currently paying for their energy once every quarter by using cash or a cheque were to switch to a monthly direct debit they could save some £170 each.
As a whole, this equates to £2.3 billion.
Scott Byrom, utilities manager at price comparison site moneysupermarket.com, said: "Changing to an online tariff gives consumers the opportunity to keep track of their payments and have a clearer idea of their balance by managing their account online."
He added that switching payment method should be the "first port of call" for Britons who wish to save money.
However, there are additional ways that households can reduce their energy outgoings.
The Energy Saving Trust recommends combining a new
gas boiler - such as a condensing boiler - with heating controls to reduce bills by as much as a third.
