Most of the time comparing prices is relatively straightforward. Some complications can arise however if some of the six main suppliers (British Gas, Powergen, nPower, Scottish & Southern, Edf and Scottish Power) has recently announced a price rise. Comparison services are usually updated immediately for these increases but you may want to wait until all six main suppliers have announced their intentions to ensure that you are comparing like with like. Once one major supplier announces a move, the rest normally follow within a month or so.

Are price caps worth it?

A number of suppliers have introduced price cap offers in the last couple of years. While these may be attractive to those on a tight budget, these deals often mean you end up paying a little over the odds compared to an uncapped deal. In addition, you may be charged a penalty should you wish to change supplier before the cap period expires so make sure you check the small print.

Energy saving

If you want to reduce your bills even further then there are a range of energy saving measures available and grants up for grabs in some cases, too. For more details see the Energy Saving Trust website.

Green fuel

If you're conscious of the environment there are now a number of green fuel deals available. Typically this will either be a donation of a small percentage of your bill to environmental causes or a guarantee that all your fuel comes from an environmently friendly source. As you might expect, these deals are rarely among the cheapest available.

Compare & Switch Home Energy Suppliers in our Gas and Electricity Comparison Centre.