Utility Companies

But remember that different companies offer different levels of service so a straight price comparison is not always the best guide. Providers change their prices all the time, so it is important that you check them on a regular basis to ensure you continue to get the best deal; if you see a better deal elsewhere, switch again.

Become energy efficient – considerable savings can be made by making small changes to your home or altering your habits. Turning your thermostat down by just one degree could cut your central heating bill by 10 per cent, while replacing an old boiler could reduce your gas bill by 32 per cent and an energy efficient washing machine could use up to 33 per cent less energy.

Follow the example of the Queen and turn off unnecessary lights and heating; close curtains and don’t leave your TV or PC on standby. The Government's Energy Savings Trust promotes energy savings in the home. It offers an enormous range of money-saving tips and a virtual home tour of the chief energy wasters.

Check out the web sites of the utility regulators for more efficiency information:

• Gas and electricity – Ofgem
• Water – Ofwat
• Telecoms – Ofcom

Other ways to cut bills

Many companies offer savings of up to 10 per cent by if you pay by direct debit or opt for online billing.

Grants are often available for improvements like loft and cavity wall insulation, which will reduce your bills for years to come. Contact your local authority or use the grant-finder facility on The Energy Savings Trust website.

Gas and Electricity

Deregulation of gas and electricity enabled householders to choose between different companies. Savings of around £100 can be made simply by switching companies, with no interruption to your service. There are now more than 20 gas and electricity suppliers in the UK.

The energy watchdog Consumer Focus publishes comparison tables on its website, which show you in how much can be saved by switching. You can also get an idea about the customer service records of companies. It represents both home and business users and provides free, impartial advice. It also has details of customer complaints.

Telephone

It is possible to save an extraordinary £200 on your home phone bills by finding the best deal. Full reductions can be made by taking advantage of low tariffs for off-peak times or frequently dialled numbers.

With mobile phones, there is a bewildering array of deals, all offering something different. But there are ways to compare prices. Before you buy, it helps if you have some idea of your general usage, perhaps from old telephone bills. Many mobile services and prices change so often that price comparisons are quickly out of date. The best deal depends on each customer’s needs and usage.

Combine your bills

Going for a “duel fuel” bill – where you take both your gas and electricity from the same provider can reduce your overall costs. It will also mean that you’ll only have one company to pay for both your gas and electric. However, you should compare prices against standalone suppliers to make sure.

Bundling your home telecoms services can also reduce costs, with savings of up to £320 a year for users who bundle their home phone, broadband and digital TV with one supplier, according to MoneySupermarket.com.

Water

Having a water meter installed can reduce your bills if your household is small or your usage is low. It also makes you more aware of your usage, helping you to use less and reduce your bills.

If you are already on a water meter it pays to stem wasteful ways. Water providers are awash with good advice on how to save water. According to Thames Water a typical household could save 15-bathfulls of water each week by following a few simple tips, such as dropping a “Hippo” into the toilet cistern, using a water butt in the garden and taking a shower instead of a bath.