Energy prices are on the rise. And experts insist that there are only two ways to lower your energy bill: switch to an energy supplier that offers a lower rate and lower the amount of energy you use. Combat higher gas and electricity prices by using these smart strategies.
Strategy 1: Switch Suppliers
You do have some control over what you pay for gas and electricity. Online market places have popped up across the Internet that have the exclusive goal of helping you find out what deals suppliers in your area are offering. In many instances, you can also switch to a new provider online.
Perform an online search or access a comparison chart, enter your post code, and you will be presented with a list of gas and electricity suppliers in your area and the rates they are currently offering. With yet another significant rate hike scheduled to go into effect in the near future, now is the time to investigate your supplier options. Select the supplier that offers the lowest fixed rate and that offers to lock in that rate for the longest period of time.
Strategy 2: Smart Habits
In many instances saving money on your energy bill is as simple as changing your everyday habits. Even small changes can make a big difference. Here are some quick changes you can make to lower your energy bills:
1.   Turn off the lights when you leave the room. Many people do not even think about how much electricity they use. But simple changes like turning off the lights in rooms you are not using can make a small, but noticeable difference on your next electricity bill.
2.   Unplug appliances that you are not using. Modern appliances are far more energy efficient than older models, but that does not mean that they do not encourage us to use more energy overall. Many appliances have added features that use more electricity than their older counterparts. That does not mean that older appliances are cheaper to run and own; they are not. But it does mean that many of today’s appliances and gadgets use electricity even when you are not using them. Unplug the gadgets that you are not using to make another small, but noticeable difference on your next electricity bill.
3.   Do not keep what you do not need. Having that second refrigerator may seem like a great way to keep extra beverages cold. But when you purchase a new model, think about donating your older model instead of keeping it for overflow. Running two refrigerators, especially when one is an older model, just does not make good economic sense these days.
Strategy 3: Buy Smart
Some of the best ways to combat rising gas and electricity prices involve spending a small amount of money. Check out these small purchases that can make a big difference on your energy bill.
1.   While incandescent light bulbs are still on the market, and they tend to be the cheapest to buy, they are not your most energy-efficient lighting option. Incandescent light bulbs waste energy because they generate heat instead of light. This function renders them more expensive to use than CFL bulbs. Yes, they are more expensive to purchase, but they will save you money off of your monthly bill and they last for years.
2.   Replace your old shower head with a newer, more efficient one. Estimates indicate that showering accounts for a good 40 percent of household hot water use. Water saving shower heads reduce the flow of the water, reducing the overall amount of water you use per shower. Up your water reduction by pairing a new water-saving shower head with a pledge to take shorter showers.
3.   Wrap up your water heater to keep water warmer. As heat escapes your hot water tank, the thermostat kicks on again in an effort to keep the water in the tank at a consistent temperature. Water heater insulation kits are inexpensive and easy to install. They may save you as much as 10 percent off the cost of heating water in your home.
Not every energy-saving strategy involves spending a lot of money. You can save a noticeable amount off of your next energy bill by making the above small, yet effective changes.
Author and industry expert Sam Jones uses leading price comparison site uSwitch to compare gas and electricity prices.
This article is copyright free.