If you disagree with the amount you owe a utility supplier or disagree with the meter reading then raise the matter with the supplier first. You may need assistance if you cannot resolve the matter.

Changing supplier can save money but this is not effective if suppliers are starting to change prices - once one supplier increases its rates, the others usually follow. Running a price comparison at such a point can lead to inaccurate results.

There are a number of comparison websites such as u-switch Opens in a new window and moneysupermarket.com Opens in a new window.

There's still a lot you can do, that doesn't involve changing provider.

• Switch to monthly direct debit.
  If you currently pay your bills quarterly when you receive them, you can cut the cost by around 10% with almost every provider simply by switching to monthly direct debit.
  
• Do a meter reading every time.
  Every time you receive a bill, do a meter reading: don't rely on your energy provider's estimate. These estimates are often way out. If they're under-billing, you'll have a large amount to pay at the end of the year: if they're over-billing, then they've got your cash unfairly.
  If your Direct Debit payment is really inaccurate, call up and request it is changed. Sadly, you can't force the supplier to do this, but hopefully they'll listen.
  
• Switch to your company's internet tariff.
  This is usually substantially cheaper: sometimes more than 10% off standard tariffs, so as long as you're prepared to be billed online, it should save you cash.
  It's worth noting that internet tariff prices often don't change at the same time as standard tariffs.
  
• Are you in financial hardship?
  Some companies have special cheaper tariffs, which will help. An example is British Gas' Essentials tariff Opens in a new window.
  
• Ditch prepayment meters if possible.
  Those who are on prepayment meters pay much more than everyone else. If you're on a prepayment meter, try and switch to a billed meter. While it's not always possible, if you can it will save you cash. If that's not possible, it's worth looking at Ebico Opens in a new window, the only energy company that charges prepay customers the same as everyone else.
  At the time of writing, the government is trying to move all suppliers towards fairer tariffs for prepayment meters, so check before you sign up for a new deal.
  

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