Step 2 Maximise your money 2 Can you pay less for your energy costs? Energy costs are one of the three biggest costs for most households, so it’s worth checking whether you can save money. Use a free price-comparison site to check if you can get a cheaper deal. Go to www.citizensadvice.org.uk and search for ‘Compare gas and electricity prices’. If you can't access the internet, you can call Citizens Advice on 0345 404 0506. You may still be able to switch even if you are in debt to your current supplier. Contact us for advice. Ofgem says that shopping around for a better deal on your gas or electricity and switching a tariff or supplier can cut your bills by around £136 a year. If you have a fixed deal, do a comparison before your agreement ends. Plan ahead and add a note to do this in your diary. Paying for your energy by fixed monthly direct debit can be a cheaper option. This is where you pay an amount each month based on what your supplier thinks you will use. If you have a prepayment meter, you are probably paying more for your energy than you would on a credit meter. See whether your supplier will let you change to a credit meter. For more information, go to www.citizensadvice.org.uk and search for ‘Decide if a prepayment meter is right for you’. If you can't access the internet, you can call Citizens Advice on 0345 404 0506. Using less energy will save you money. Simple Energy Advice has lots of useful information on saving energy, cutting costs and home energy grants. Go to www.simpleenergyadvice.org.uk or call 0800 444 202. If you live in Wales, you may also be able to apply for free home energy-efficiency improvements through the Nest scheme. Go to www.nest.gov.wales or call 0808 808 2244. Page 33