No warm and fuzzy feelings about heating your home

Householders have been left feeling angry and confused by utility bill price rises.

Journalists and money analysts gave conflicting advice about switching to other suppliers, or sticking with the same companies, and most people who are looking at increased costs are wondering if they are getting the best deals.

Scott Byrom, utilities manager at price comparison site moneysupermarket.com, said: "People are quite rightly getting hot under the collar at the prospect of average annual bills of over £1,000, but barely any of us should be paying that much.

"The best tariffs for medium users of gas and electricity in each of Britain's 14 regions vary from £739 in south east England to £787 in south Wales - or just over £2 a day - which shouldn't get anyone too steamed.

"The problem is that 63 per cent of Brits are burning a hole in their pockets by being on standard tariffs. Instead of signing up online and then paying monthly by direct debit, people are still getting a bill mailed to them every three months and paying by cash or cheque. You might as well set fire to a few £50 notes."

March 07^th 2008

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