THOUGHTS of energy consumption and the need to keep your home warm may still seem a distant requirement, but Age UK Dorchester is urging local older people to plan ahead for winter by reviewing their energy tariff and shopping around for a better energy deal.

A recent report from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) found that millions of energy customers have been ‘paying too much for their energy bills.’

Furthermore, around 70 per cent of customers are currently on their energy provider’s ‘default’, and generally more expensive, standard variable tariff, despite having the option to switch to a new provider or fixed-rate tariff, which could save them money.

Di Lawrence from Age UK Dorchester said: “We urge older people in the South West to take a look at their energy tariff and switch to a better deal if they can. We encourage those in later life to consider switching to a fixed tariff, so their energy bills are locked in for a longer term.

"Switching and fixing now will mean your new tariff is up and running before autumn, when inevitably, colder weather will set in.

“Age UK Dorchester believes it is important for all older people to be able to keep their energy usage and bills as low as possible.

"There are many things that can be done to help achieve this, but an important factor is to ensure older people are on the best tariff for their needs.

"It is therefore important to shop around and consider all the options – in the current environment switching to a fixed rate tariff can provide peace of mind and help manage energy costs for the long-term.”

Age UK supports the CMA’s proposals for a transitional price cap on standard variable tariffs.

A transitional price cap would mean that customers failing to switch would default to a ‘safeguard’ tariff, which would have a maximum price set by Ofgem, the energy regulator.

Age UK supports a transitional price cap because it would offer older people some protection against high energy bills.

For more information call Age UK Dorchester on 01305 269444 or visit its centre at Rowan Cottoge in Prince of Wales Road.