Thirty-three thousand households in Northampton may have missed out on £1,500 by not switching energy supplier

Figures from Ofgem have revealed that nine million households across the UK failed to change gas or electricity provider between 2012 and 2017. And only 19 per cent of people in Northampton switched in the last year.

Philip Sellwood, chief executive of the Energy Saving Trust, said: “The difference between the average Standard Variable Tariff and the cheapest deal on the market is significant, but millions of households still aren’t accessing these savings.

"To put that into context, switching this year could save you up to £300 – equivalent to more than a month’s worth of food shopping.

“With January being a tight month for household budgets, now is the time to look at switching your energy tariff to make sure you’re on the best possible deal.”

A YouGov survey carried out as part of the campaign also revealed that 65% of people in England would read reviews when planning to spend £1,000, but only 15% read any reviews about their new energy supplier or tariff when they last switched.

An online price comparison tool from Citizens Advice can help bill payers find a cheaper supplier. The comparison tool is completely impartial and includes quotes from all energy suppliers, offering a quick and easy way to find the best deals.

Gillian Guy, chief executive of Citizens Advice, said: “Checking your energy tariff and switching to a cheaper deal is one of the quickest and easiest ways to cut your bills.

“We know people who stay with the same energy supplier often pay hundreds of pounds more a year for the same gas and electricity. It is too often the most vulnerable and those with the lowest incomes who pay the highest prices for their energy."

For free advice on switching energy supplier, or to find out what events are happening in your area, call Citizens Advice on 03454 04 05 06 or log on towww.citizensadvice.org.uk.

Additional support is available for low income households through the Government’s Energy Company Obligation and Warm Home Discount schemes, the window for which is closing soon for this winter. For further information in England and Wales, contact the Energy Saving Advice Service on 0300 123 1234.