How much can you save by moving to an alternative energy provider

There’s no doubt about it, the cost of living is rising as inflation is going up making everyday purchases and outgoings steadily more expensive. Average household bills are increasing due to the rising cost of utilities like gas and electric, as well as the increase in the price of food at the supermarket. All this is putting pressure on tenants and homeowners to make cutbacks in key areas.

Many are attempting to make savings by cutting out luxuries like clothing, high end food, consumer electronics, holidays, activities and days out, but there are very few who are capitalising on a little known opportunity to save hundreds of pounds every year, simply by switching energy providers. Most energy providers specialise in gas or electric, and having several suppliers often results in sky high bills. There are a growing number of alternative energy suppliers however, like uSwitch who offer consolidated bills at a reduced cost.

These companies combine all your utilities into one payment that not only often works out much cheaper than paying all your bills separately but it is also much more convenient. Many people have their bills spread across the month, or worse still, arranged quarterly and this makes budgeting quite difficult, as there is a lack of consistency. With an alternative energy supplier, one lump sum is paid monthly, so you know where you stand with your payments, and there are no unexpected shocks.

Some energy suppliers can even provide landline and mobile phone services, at a rate much lower than better known network providers, and this is an area where big savings can be made. Mobile phone deals have become far more competitive in recent years, and while line rental and a top of the range handset can end up costing in excess of £100 per month, there are deals out there for under £10. Alternative energy suppliers can offer these, making you a huge saving each month.

You might think that providing all these separate services would result in a reduced level of quality or customer service, but rest assured that alternative energy suppliers are not only cost effective, they have the customer support and backup to match more traditional energy suppliers like British Gas or N Power. Just like these more established companies, alternative energy suppliers can offer help and guidance with questions and complaints.

If you’re not convinced, alternative energy suppliers are totally transparent about their pricing, and a quick glance at the uSwitch site will allow you to compare electricity prices with other key suppliers, potentially saving you up to £420 in bills.  Some may not be convinced because the alternative energy brands are less well known and perhaps less trusted than more established names, but with the increased focus on saving money and reducing costs, alternative energy providers could be the future, since they offer a convenient, elegant solution to budgeting problems that many households face as a result of the recession and the necessity to reduce household bills and outgoings as much as possible.

Tags: uswitch, British Gas plc, energy, budgeting, food

Streamline your finances for the year to come

We have all had a gruelling year when it comes to our finances this year, and with the year starting with the continuing global credit crunch and ending with the recession things still look very bleak for many people, even though the base interest rate has fallen significantly. Many people have struggled to make ends meet in terms of finances this year, and many have become aware of the importance to try and cut back on outgoings. Read more

Tags: rate, electricity, New Year's Day, base interest rate, finances, personal finances, interest debts, alternative