Why shopping around pays

Energy costs have increased considerably over recent years and managing the extra cost is difficult.

Here are a few ideas which might help manage the cost are:

1. Check you are getting a good price from your electricity or gas supplier

There are a number of suppliers of electricity and gas in Northern Ireland and some are cheaper than others. We have staff members who have told us they’ve made savings on their energy bill by simply switching energy provider.
A quick way to check if you’re getting a good deal is to use the Consumer Council’s energy price comparison tool. It is a very helpful tool and with a few clicks it will compare your current energy cost with other suppliers. It also suggests alternative tariffs with your existing supplier that may also save you money.

The Consumer Council have produced a short video to help understand prices and how to switch supplier. Don’t forget to check both electricity and gas suppliers.

2. Home heating oil

The Consumer Council have also produced a few tips and advice on home heating oil, including boiler servicing, current prices, oil buying clubs, regular oil payments. It is always good to shop around as prices can vary considerably. For more information please click here.

3. Petrol and Diesel for your car

“Look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves” is very true when it comes to buying fuel for your car. Paying 10p more per litre can cost an extra £5 per fill for a typical car.

Keep an eye on prices as they do vary considerably.

Things we don’t always think about that might save on fuel consumption are:

• Keep your tyres inflated to the right level – reduces drag.
• Lighten your load and declutter your car – less weight means less fuel.
• Don’t leave your roof bars and roof box on when not in use – they create wind resistance.
• Combine journeys to do 2 or 3 jobs – a warm engine is more efficient.
• Use air conditioning only when essential – it uses extra energy.