Consumers urged to check energy tariff expiry ahead of winter

Consumers hoping to manage their finances more effectively need to make sure they check when their energy tariff deals come to an end. 

That is the warning from comparison website uSwitch.com, which stated that 16 "popular fixed energy deals" are set to come to an end in September and October. 

Anyone who has not taken the time to check when their tariff expires could be facing an increase of up to £193 a year, and the possibility of getting into debt as a result. 

The company hints that now is a good time to check or switch supplier, as the winter months are nearly upon us and that means heating bills will rise. 

Energy expert at uSwitch.com Tom Lyon suggested that with a bit of forward planning, consumers can avoid being automatically transferred to what may end up being a more expensive rate. 

Mr Lyon hinted that it is not necessarily the more well-known providers that have the best deals. 

"Small suppliers have consistently given the big six a run for their money this year by offering some of the cheapest deals on the market." 

The cheapest deal mentioned by Mr Lyon was Extra Energy's Fresh Fixed Price Oct 2015, that means consumers will be paying just £990 for 12 months. 

First Utility's iSave Fixed October 2015 costs £992 for a year. 

A deal that lasts slightly longer, but is a bit more expensive, is EDF Energy's Blue+Price Promise March 2016 that works out as £1,039 per year. 

It's certainly well worth shopping around for a better deal, as Kate Palmer, personal finance reporter for the Telegraph, suggests consumers could save themselves as much as £365 by switching to a more competitive rate. 

She advises anyone who has not got old bills to simply contact their supplier to find out their estimated usage and what plan they are on. These details are essential to have in order to swap.