Just got my gas/electric bills.

[wicketkeeper]

Horrified at how much we spend - any ideas on how we can cut down? I dry clothes outside, switch lights off when not in use, have fridge and freezer on minimal setting, use 'energy save' on washer where possible, ditto dishwasher, TV not on all day. Help!!!

Have you thought about getting an electricity monitor so you can see what uses the most (my mate got one free from British Gas and her kettle slurps up the most apparently!) In my family there are 5 of us (3 DS so lights do get left on quite a bit, games consoles/tv on a lot) but we are always in credit on our bills. We are with Southern Electric for gas and electricity and pay by DD £80 a month for the 2 combined I think. We don't have the heating on much tbh and hot water is run on the immersion for an hour in the morning, if anyone wants a shower later on then we boost it as and when required. A lot of companies now give out freebies that are to do with green issues/energy saving - we got a free eco shower head and garden hose attachment recently!

shop around/use price comparison websites to see who gives the best deal in your area. Online accounts tend to be the cheapest and you get discounts for taking gas/electric together and by paying by monthly direct debit. We pay £95 a month combined gas/electric for a 4 bed detached house.

I pay £69 for gas and £30 for elec both with Southern Electric. I have 2 DC and a DH. House is a 3 bed semi.

Thanks for that - OK, I think the kettle might be an issue, I could drink tea for England. Also like the idea of getting a monitor, seen them advertised on TV - we're not with British Gas so thought I might not be able to, but certainly worth a look. Also we're in rented accommodation so not sure if I have any say about the provider - need to check that out too. We're already paying by direct debit, and get both from same provider, so we're saving a bit there.

Any more ideas?? Keep 'em coming!!

Hi, just a short note on this as you said about changing providers, when i used to rent i chose my own provider on gas/ electric. Now in 4 bed detached house with 5 kids , just got gas/elec bill i'm going to change to sainsbury's fuel deal plus I get extra nectar points.I pay quartely changing to monthly .

my sister rents but gets to choose her own provider too. Its not just british Gas that do the usage montiors - my sister got one from E-on.

We are just moving to Eon and they are dishing them out free.

You can often pick up a electricity monitor at the library on loan.