Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis has revealed the four tips that could save you money on your energy bills.
Speaking on ITV’s The Martin Lewis Money Show, he revealed how customers who pay by direct debits could save as much as £200.
If you think you are overpaying on your direct debit, Mr Lewis explained it was crucial to check how much you should be charged.
Firstly, he recommended all viewers send regular meter readings. This will help energy providers charge you the correct amount for the energy you are using, and prevent them from estimating your bill, which can lead to you being overcharged.
If you think you are being overcharged based on providing regular meter readings then you can use an online direct debit calculator. This will work out how much you should be charged based on your usage.
Martin Lewis said calculator results had been “very powerful” in getting energy providers to reduce your direct debit charges, and he recommended calling them up with your results.
Lastly, if you still think you are overpaying, you can request to be moved on to a variable direct debit where you will only pay exactly what you have used.
However, this means your bills will be much higher in the winter, when you will not have the “smoothing effect” of having paid more in the summer while using less energy.
The Money Saving Expert also warned that paying when you receive your monthly bill could be up to 10 per cent more expensive than regular direct debit payments.
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