November 11, 2011 10.04 am This story is over 147 months old

Energy bill savings on the table for Lincoln residents

Energy savings: New advice as almost half of Lincoln households could save money on their energy bills this winter.

Almost half of Lincoln households could save money on their energy bills this winter, the Department of Energy and Climate Change advised, as prices are set to rise following this summer’s announcements.

Households may save money by changing payment method, shopping around and switching to a better deal with another supplier and taking advantage of free or discounted insulation offers to keep their homes warm.

Last year Lincoln residents paying by standard credit faced bills on average of £678 for their gas and £417 for their electricity – £1,095 in total.

Householders who paid by direct debit paid £632 for gas and £387 for electricity, £1,019 in total – £76 less.

However, thousands of Lincoln residents have also taken steps to stop their homes leaking heat and money.

In the first two years of the Government CERT scheme, under which energy suppliers are obliged to provide free or discounted insulation offers, 1,796 Lincoln lofts have been lagged and 1,042 cavity walls filled – 2,838 installations in total.

The Department of Energy and Climate Change is urging Lincoln residents to check if there’s a cheaper way to pay; you could save the most money by paying by direct debit, or moving to an online or dual fuel tariff.

Monthly direct debit is on average £100 cheaper per year than paying by cash or cheque.

Switching to a cheaper energy tariff or energy firm could also save up to £200 off your annual bill by shopping around for a different supplier, particularly if you have never changed energy firm.

Direct Gov has a handy list of phone numbers for all major energy suppliers and for comparison and switching services.

Source: Department of Energy and Climate Change | Photo: Peter Asquith