Saving energy

The New Year Diet that will gain you pounds continues: this week save money off your energy bills.

The Consumer Council's New Year Diet continues, encouraging all consumers to stop and review their energy bills. Following on from last week's call to consumers to overhaul your personal finances, this week we are encouraging consumers to improve the efficiency of their home and shop around for the best price for home heating oil.

Here are some easy ways to reduce your energy bills.

1. Switching your supplier to reduce your electricity and gas bills

All electricity consumers across Northern Ireland and gas users in Greater Belfast and Larne are able to switch supplier. Switching your energy supplier may save you money and you may receive a better service. The Consumer Council's has compared and collated the best tariffs available for gas and electricity users in its Gas and Electricity Price Comparison Tables, visit: www.consumercouncil.org.uk/energy

2. Improving the energy efficiency of your home

• Turning down your thermostat by 1 degree can save around £45 a year;
• Insulating your hot water tank can save around £40 a year;
• Turning appliances off at the wall socket when not in use and avoiding standby saves around £35 a year.

For more information on energy efficiency measures and the grants available contact Bryson Energy Advice Line on 0800 1422 865 or email: advice@brysonenergy.org

3. Shopping around for home heating oil

Use the following checklist to get the best deal before you fill up with oil:
- Always shop around and compare prices before you order;
- Use the Consumer Council online oil price checker to find out the cheapest oil prices in your area: www.consumercouncil.org.uk/oil-price-watch/
- Ask what payment methods are available;
- Many local Councils offer an oil stamp savings scheme, which can help you save money towards your oil bill.