Ann Robinson: Easy ways to keep on top of your energy bills

THE recent and expected price hikes have placed a real urgency on the government to get on with its review of fuel poverty, so it can help to relieve the misery facing those who cannot afford to keep warm next winter.

But, in the meantime, households have to start protecting themselves.

There are two key steps to this: learn how to use energy, and make sure you are paying the lowest possible price for it.

For instance, households can save as much as 40 a year by using energy-efficient light bulbs. Don't keep all your appliances on stand-by - they're using electricity all the time, so switch off. Using energy monitors and turning your thermostat down by just 1C are also good ways to save money.

All households should also look to invest in longer-term energy-efficiency measures. Insulating lofts and cavity walls can cut energy bills by up to 25 per cent. Those who would struggle to afford any investment in their home should contact their supplier to see whether they would qualify for any energy-efficiency grants or financial support. Suppliers have a pot of money available to help customers in this way and those who qualify could see their energy bills substantially reduced as a result.

With energy prices likely to rise again and the spectre of energy bills potentially hitting almost 1,400 a year, many households, especially those on tight budgets, may like the security of a fixed-price energy plan. However, like fixed-rate mortgages, these deals could swiftly disappear from the market, so those looking for peace of mind need to act quickly. But, as fixed plans often come at a premium, if you want to keep your bills as low as possible, look at switching to an online plan as these are consistently the most competitive on the market.

The other two steps to follow: get your gas and electricity from the same supplier and pay energy bills by direct debit. Both steps will reap valuable discounts from your supplier. As a final measure, always ensure you take regular meter readings as relying on estimated bills can be a short cut to debt.

• Ann Robinson is director of consumer policy at uSwitch.com.