Ignorance over energy bills is leaving many households over £400 out of pocket, according to a new survey which sees consumers clueless when it comes to their energy use.
According to research conducted by moneysupermarket.com, nearly 40% of us apparently in the dark as to our monthly usage costs. Despite coughing up a considerable proportion of our household income, 16% of us are completely clueless when it comes to just how much we have to pay for our energy bills every year. Even 20% of customers who pay for their energy use monthly don’t have a clue how much their yearly bill is.
Considering skyrocketing gas and electricity costs – which sees many households paying in excess of £1,000 a year – the statistics make for a rather disturbing read.
The survey also revealed that an uncompetitive tariff can end up costing more than £400 annually, with the most expensive “standard” tariffs setting consumers back around £1,390 compared to the current cheapest “online-billed” tariffs, which cost in the region of £980.
“With the current spate of price hikes taking the average bill to record highs, customers should be on their game and know exactly how much they are paying in gas and electricity charges each year,” said Scott Byrom, the utilities manager at moneysupermarket.com.
Mr Byrom went on to add that for a medium energy user, paying more than £51 for gas and in excess of £37 monthly for your electricity, you should be looking to switch to a better, more competitive tariff because you’re more than likely paying over the odds.
Knowledge, as they say, is power. Aside from keeping in the the know when it comes to your energy costs, there’s a wealth of energy saving tips and home improvements that can easily be implemented when it comes to battling rising gas and electricity bills. From switching electrical appliances off and fitting energy saving light bulbs, to installing cavity wall insulation and getting double glazing.
