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How to keep your energy bills down this winter

How to keep your energy bills down this winter
Energy companies have been put under pressure by the Prime Minister to lower their prices to reflect the fall in oil and wholesale gas prices.

After oil prices reached a record high of $147 a barrel in July, prices have dropped to around $63 a barrel, while gas prices fell by 19%. This winter has been predicted to be a cold one, so consumers and industry watchdogs are urging price cuts to be put into place now. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has said that he would take action by legislating to force firms to offer more reasonable prices, especially to the poorest customers such as those on prepayment meters.

The gas and electricity firms have reacted by saying that the reason for the fall in oil prices is due to fears over consumption levels in the current economic state, so prices are likely to rise in line with demand. Growing concerns come over the suppliers – Russia, Qatar and Iran, who own 60% of the planets gas reserves and could increase prices.

Another reason for the continued high prices inflicted on consumers is that energy firms tend to buy in advance, so the energy we will be using throughout the winter is likely to have been bought at a time when prices were higher. This means that the lower wholesale prices we are currently seeing may not be passed onto consumers until next year.

With high energy prices set to continue over the coming winter months, we have devised some tips that can help you to keep your bills as low as possible.

Trawl the market for the best deal

Despite the current high energy prices there is still competition in the market and you may be able to switch to a provider offering a better deal. You could save up to £349 a year when you switch your gas and electricity. Switching both your electricity and gas to one supplier can increase your savings and reduces your administration as you only have one bill to pay. The Which4u comparison website has a utility bills comparison tool that allows you to enter enter a few details to show you how much you could save by switching. Once we find the best deal for you its easy to switch online, helping you to make instant savings.

Don't pay more than you should be

An estimated £50 million a year is wasted in unnecessary charges in the UK with households paying their bills based on estimates. You must make sure you take regular gas and electricity meter readings to avoid paying more than you should be. If you do receive an estimate that seems higher than you expected, contact your supplier as you may be able to significantly reduce your bill.

If you find you have missed the call from the meter reader you can always take the reading yourself and pass it onto your energy provider by phone or on the internet.

Find out if you are eligible for benefits

If you live in a fuel-poor household you may find you are entitled to a rebate. For example, people over the age of 60 may be entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment of £250 or more. This is usually paid automatically if you have a state pension. If you're over 60 and not receiving this benefit call the helpline 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday-Friday on 0845 915 1515.

You may also qualify for a social tariff, available from all six major energy providers - British Gas, Npower, E.ON, EDF Energy, Scottish Power and Scottish & Southern, with discounts of up to £300 a year. No eligibility criteria has been set, so if you're disabled, elderly, have a family with small children or receive income support it is worth contacting your provider to ask.

The Warm Front Scheme

The Warm Front Scheme is a government funded project designed to help cover the cost of insulation for roofs and walls, and general techniques to keep your home warmer. This could save you a significant amount on your energy bills each year. Those over 60, on income support, receiving council tax benefit, housing benefit, pension credit, jobseeker's allowance, or householders with a child under 16 should apply. To see if you are eligible for these benefits call 0800 072 9006.

Published by Sam Gooch
Thursday, 30 October 2008 11:27
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Card Balance Transfers Purchases Typical APR (variable) Apply
View Full Table >
Virgin Credit Card
0%
16 mths
0%
3 mths
16.6%
Barclaycard Platinum
0%
15 mths
0%
3 mths
15.9%
Egg Visa Card
0%
until May 2011
0%
until Jun 2010
16.9%
Tesco Clubcard
0%
6 mths
0%
12 mths
16.9%
MBNA Platinum
0%
13 mths
0%
3 mths
16.9%

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% for 16 mths
Balance Transfer Fee:
2.98%
Purchase Rate:
0% for 3 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
16.6% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
16.6% p.a.
Cash Advance:
24.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 50 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 25 Years of Age
  • You have a Good Credit History
  • You are in full time employment
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
  • You have a Bank or Building society account

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% for 15 mths
Balance Transfer Fee:
2.90%
Purchase Rate:
0% for 3 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
15.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
15.9% p.a.
Balance Transfer Fee:
2.90%
Cash Advance:
27.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 56 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are 21 years or over
  • You are a permanent UK resident
  • You have no history of bankruptcy, had an IVA's or CCJ's.
  • You haven't missed a payment on either a credit card or mortgage in the last 12 months.
  • You have a regular income of more than £20,000 per annum
  • You have not been declined for credit in the last six months.
  • You do not have debts on other credit cards greater than £20,000

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% until May 2011
Balance Transfer Fee:
3%
Purchase Rate:
0% until Jun 2010

Typical APR

Purchases:
16.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
16.9% p.a.
Cash Advance:
22.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 45 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You have a Good Credit History
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
  • Any Income Considered

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% for 6 mths
Balance Transfer Fee:
2%
Purchase Rate:
0% for 12 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
16.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
16.9% p.a.
Balance Transfer Fee:
2%
Cash Advance:
24.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 51 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You have an excellent Credit History
  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
  • You have a bank or building society account
  • You have an income over £10,000 p.a

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% for 13 mths
Balance Transfer Fee:
2.90%
Purchase Rate:
0% for 3 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
16.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
16.9% p.a.
Cash Advance:
24.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
£50,000
Interest Free Days:
Up to 50 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are currently employed
  • You are over 23 years of age
  • You are a homeowner
  • You have an income of over £20,000
  • You do not have any recent credit defaults (CCJ's, current arrears or missed payments) on credit cards / loans / mortgages
  • You are a resident in the UK and can prove residential addresses for the past two years

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% for 12 mths
Balance Transfer Fee:
3%
Purchase Rate:
0% for 3 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
15.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
15.9% p.a.
Cash Advance:
27.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
£50,000
Interest Free Days:
Up to 56 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You have a Good Credit History
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
  • You have a bank or building society account
  • You have an income over £25,000 p.a

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% for 13 mths
Balance Transfer Fee:
2.90%
Purchase Rate:
0% for 3 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
16.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
16.9% p.a.
Cash Advance:
24.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
£50,000
Interest Free Days:
Up to 56 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are currently employed
  • You are over 23 years of age
  • You are a homeowner
  • You have an income of over £20,000
  • You do not have any recent credit defaults (CCJ's, current arrears or missed payments) on credit cards / loans / mortgages
  • You are a resident in the UK and can prove residential addresses for the past two years

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% for 13 mths
Balance Transfer Fee:
3%
Purchase Rate:
0% for 3 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
16.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
16.9% p.a.
Cash Advance:
27.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
£25,000
Interest Free Days:
Up to 56 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 25 Years of Age
  • You have an Excellent Credit History
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
  • You earn over £25,000 per year

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% until Apr 2011
Balance Transfer Fee:
2.50%
Purchase Rate:
N/A

Typical APR

Purchases:
19.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
19.9% p.a.
Cash Advance:
27.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 56 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You haven't missed multiple payments on a credit agreement within the last 12 months
  • You don't have a CCJ (County Court Judgement) or IVA (Individual Voluntary Arrangement) and haven't been registered bankrupt
  • You don't already have a Barclaycard
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
  • You have a bank or building society account
  • You have an income over £10,000 p.a

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% for 15 mths
Balance Transfer Fee:
2.90%
Purchase Rate:
0% for 3 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
16.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
16.9% p.a.
Cash Advance:
24.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
£25,000
Interest Free Days:
Up to 56 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • YOU ARE AN EXISTING NATWEST CUSTOMER
  • You are at least 25 Years of Age
  • You have a Good Credit History
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
  • You earn over £25,000 per year

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% for 15 mths
Balance Transfer Fee:
2.90%
Purchase Rate:
0% for 3 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
16.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
16.9% p.a.
Cash Advance:
24.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
£25,000
Interest Free Days:
Up to 56 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • YOU ARE A RBS CURRENT A/C HOLDER
  • You are at least 25 Years of Age
  • You have a Good Credit History
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
  • You earn over £25,000 per year

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% for 15 mths
Balance Transfer Fee:
2.90%
Purchase Rate:
0% for 3 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
16.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
16.9% p.a.
Cash Advance:
24.7% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 56 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • YOU ARE AN EXISTING HSBC CUSTOMER
  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You have a Good Credit History
  • You have been a permanent resident/citizen of the UK for atleast the last 3 years
  • You have a bank or building society account
  • You have an income over £10,000 p.a

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% for 12 mths
Balance Transfer Fee:
2.98%
Purchase Rate:
0% for 3 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
16.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
16.9% p.a.
Cash Advance:
19.16% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 56 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You have a Good Credit History
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
  • You have an income over £8,000 p.a

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
N/A
Balance Transfer Fee:
N/A
Purchase Rate:
N/A

Typical APR

Purchases:
7.80% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
7.80% p.a.
Cash Advance:
15.8% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 56 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 21 Years of Age
  • You have a Good Credit History
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
  • You have a bank or building society account
  • You have an income over £20,000 p.a

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% for 9 mths
Balance Transfer Fee:
3%
Purchase Rate:
0% for 9 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
11.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
11.9% p.a.
Cash Advance:
19.3% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 55 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are currently employed
  • You are over 23 years of age
  • You are a homeowner
  • You have an income of over £20,000
  • You do not have any recent credit defaults (CCJ's, current arrears or missed payments) on credit cards / loans / mortgages
  • You are a resident in the UK and can prove residential addresses for the past two years

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% for 9 mths
Balance Transfer Fee:
3%
Purchase Rate:
0% for 9 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
15.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
15.9% p.a.
Balance Transfer Fee:
3%
Cash Advance:
27.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 56 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
  • You have NOT been declined for a Halifax or Bank of Scotland Credit Card in the last 6 months
  • You DO NOT any CCJs or have been made Bankrupt
  • You have NOT missed payments on your current store cards, credit cards, loans or mortgages
  • You ARE in employment (receiving an annual salary)
  • You can provide a telephone number that you can be contacted on

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% for 9 mths
Balance Transfer Fee:
3%
Purchase Rate:
0% for 9 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
15.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
15.9% p.a.
Balance Transfer Fee:
3%
Cash Advance:
27.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 56 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
  • You have NOT been declined for a Halifax or Bank of Scotland Credit Card in the last 6 months
  • You DO NOT any CCJs or have been made Bankrupt
  • You have NOT missed payments on your current store cards, credit cards, loans or mortgages
  • You ARE in employment (receiving an annual salary)
  • You can provide a telephone number that you can be contacted on

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% for 6 mths
Balance Transfer Fee:
2%
Purchase Rate:
0% for 10 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
18.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
16.9% p.a.
Cash Advance:
24.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 50 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are currently employed
  • You are over 23 years of age
  • You are a homeowner
  • You have an income of over £20,000
  • You do not have any recent credit defaults (CCJ's, current arrears or missed payments) on credit cards / loans / mortgages
  • You are a resident in the UK and can prove residential addresses for the past two years
  • You have not applied for an MBNA or Virgin Credit Card within the last 6 months

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
5.90% For Life
Balance Transfer Fee:
2%
Purchase Rate:
N/A

Typical APR

Purchases:
16.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
16.9% p.a.
Cash Advance:
24.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
£50,000
Interest Free Days:
Up to 50 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are currently employed
  • You are over 23 years of age
  • You are a homeowner
  • You have an income of over £20,000
  • You do not have any recent credit defaults (CCJ's, current arrears or missed payments) on credit cards / loans / mortgages
  • You are a resident in the UK and can prove residential addresses for the past two years

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% for 6 mths
Balance Transfer Fee:
2%
Purchase Rate:
N/A

Typical APR

Purchases:
17.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
17.9% p.a.
Cash Advance:
24.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 50 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are at least 25 Years of Age
  • You have a Good Credit History
  • You are in full time employment
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
  • You have a Bank or Building society account

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
N/A
Balance Transfer Fee:
N/A
Purchase Rate:
0% for 6 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
17.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
17.9% p.a.
Cash Advance:
27.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
£50,000
Interest Free Days:
Up to 56 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • I am aged 18 or over
  • I have a current UK bank or building society account
  • I have a permanent UK home address
  • I have a household income of at least £30,000
  • I have no history of bad debt
  • If self-employed, I have been working for more than one year.

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% for 13 mths
Balance Transfer Fee:
3%
Purchase Rate:
0% for 3 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
18.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
16.9% p.a.
Cash Advance:
24.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
Subject to Status
Interest Free Days:
Up to 50 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are currently employed
  • You are over 23 years of age
  • You are a homeowner
  • You have an income of over £20,000
  • You do not have any recent credit defaults (CCJ's, current arrears or missed payments) on credit cards / loans / mortgages
  • You are a resident in the UK and can prove residential addresses for the past two years
  • You have not applied for an MBNA or Virgin Credit Card within the last 6 months

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
0% for 12 mths
Balance Transfer Fee:
3%
Purchase Rate:
0% for 3 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
15.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
15.9% p.a.
Cash Advance:
24.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
£50,000
Interest Free Days:
Up to 56 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • You are currently employed
  • You are over 23 years of age
  • You are a homeowner
  • You have an income of over £20,000
  • You do not have any recent credit defaults (CCJ's, current arrears or missed payments) on credit cards / loans / mortgages
  • You are a resident in the UK and can prove residential addresses for the past two years

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
N/A
Balance Transfer Fee:
N/A
Purchase Rate:
4.90% for 9 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
19.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
19.9% p.a.
Cash Advance:
24.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
£10,000
Interest Free Days:
Up to 56 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • YOU ARE A NATWEST CURRENT A/C HOLDERS
  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You have a Good Credit History
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
  • You earn over £10,000 per year

Introductory Offer

Balance Transfer Rate:
N/A
Balance Transfer Fee:
N/A
Purchase Rate:
4.90% for 9 mths

Typical APR

Purchases:
19.9% p.a.
Balance Transfers:
19.9% p.a.
Cash Advance:
24.9% p.a.

Standard Features

Credit Limit:
£10,000
Interest Free Days:
Up to 56 days
Online Banking:
Yes

Approval Criteria

  • YOU ARE A RBS CURRENT A/C HOLDER
  • You are at least 18 Years of Age
  • You have a Good Credit History
  • You are a permanent resident/citizen of the UK
  • You earn over £10,000 per year