NEARLY 8,000 households in Christchurch could have saved money by switching energy supplier.

That's the view of Ofgem, who say that people who haven't switched supplier in the past six years could have cost themselves hundreds of pounds.

As Big Energy Saving Week starts today, the figures from Ofgem2 have revealed that just 17 per cent of people in the south switched in the last year alone.

Philip Sellwood, chief executive, Energy Saving Trust, said: “The difference between the average Standard Variable Tariff and the cheapest deal on the market is significant, but millions of households still aren’t accessing these savings. To put that into context, switching this year could save you up to £300 – equivalent to more than a month’s worth of food shopping.

“With January being a tight month for household budgets, now is the time to look at switching your energy tariff to make sure you’re on the best possible deal."

Gillian Guy, chief executive of Citizens Advice, said: “Checking your energy tariff and switching to a cheaper deal is one of the quickest and easiest ways to cut your bills.

“We know people who stay with the same energy supplier often pay hundreds of pounds more a year for the same gas and electricity. It is too often the most vulnerable and those with the lowest incomes who pay the highest prices for their energy."

Call Citizens Advice on 03454 04 05 06 or log on to www.citizensadvice.org.uk.