We have to say, UK customers are getting a very bad deal from the energy companies. We all saw the prices rocket last year under the claim that the wholesale prices had gone up, and now that the wholesale price of energy has gone down, they're dragging their heels and not lowering prices by anything like the recent falls in the wholesale prices. Frankly this is a scandal and it's a disgrace that this government have sat back and allowed these companies to fleece the British public. No other European country would have stood for this sort of cynical price bullying.

So what does this mean for you, the consumer? Well I've already said that the first thing is that it means you are being screwed by your energy company. But secondly it means you should show these companies no loyalty at all because none of them (at all) have done anything to earn it. Therefore it is vital that you are constantly on the look out for a cheaper deal, and if you find one, go for it. Switching gas and electricity companies normally means signing a form (or clicking a box on a web page) and reading a meter. That's all there is too it, it's dead easy. Do NOT be swayed by people knocking on your door because they are trying to sell you their companies deal and the odds are, it isn't the best one. Check out the offers from each company, for example, Scottish Power used to have the best fixed term deals (to cap your prices) but this may no longer be the case now that they are supposedly falling.

Many people who signed up for fixed price gas and electricity deals should now be finding themselves towards the end of their fixed deals. Prices have fallen since then (after rising sharply) so now is a good time to take a look around to see if you can get a cheaper gas or electricity (or both) deal now. Most energy companies offer their best rates when customers manage their accounts online, pay by direct debit, and take a dual fuel deal (rather than getting gas from one company from one supplier and electricity from another). Therefore as an internet user, you are in the best possible position to find a great deal. As with many things that need to be monitored and updated by the customer, it's essential that you take proactive action to look at the deals available. Have a look to see what the best energy offers are, because a price war is likely as the various companies scamble in a sort of energy musical chairs sort of way to get their customer base consolidated in time for the heavy winter usage. It's up to you to make the move though and if you don't, you can be sure that you will almost certainly be losing money.