Most of the major energy providers have followed suit but in December, the government announced it was to reduce energy bills by about £50 and some suppliers have said they would pass on the savings to their customers. This was reflected by either smaller price rises (e.g. EDF and Eon) or follow-up cuts to original higher increases (Scottish Power and British Gas).

The previous year, during the autumn 2012, there have been heavy energy prices rises by the major energy companies; British Gas, Npower, EDF Energy, Scottish Power and SSE, plus smaller independent company Ovo Energy.

With so much happening in the energy market, now is a good time to compare gas and electricity suppliers, but before you do so, read the rest of our advice on things you should consider before switching.

Is now a good time to switch energy deals?

Now may be an opportune point to check your gas and electricity options before more suppliers announce price changes.

Using an energy comparison service such as Which? Switch allows you to compare gas and electricity suppliers to see the best and worst deals currently available, and if you could save by moving to a different supplier or tariff. When comparing deals, you'll always get more accurate results by using your annual energy consumption levels, measured in kilowatt hours (kWh), rather than your annual spend. You'll find this information on your annual energy statement or energy bills. However with an array of different tariffs out there - each with its own contract and conditions - and those hefty blanket energy price rises last year, your current situation will determine whether you're likely to find a more competitive deal. Match your circumstances up to one of these scenarios for more tailored tips.

What are my energy tariff options?

We've outlined the types of energy tariff you can choose from - there's more in our energy tariffs explained guide.
Fixed-price tariffs offer certainty over energy prices for a set period of time, giving you peace of mind and the ability to budget for your energy costs for the future. However, fixed tariffs usually cost more than discount tariffs with variable prices - particularly if you want to fix your prices for a longer period - and there's often an exit fee (typically £40-50) if you switch before your fixed period ends.
Online discount or variable-price tariffs generally offer the cheapest rates, but there's usually a cancellation fee if you switch before the end of your contract (usually 12 months), and your prices won't be protected during this period - although as these tariffs usually have a 'minimum discount' they will always be cheaper than the same supplier's standard tariff.
Standard tariffs have no exit fees and are always available - but are nearly always more expensive than online tariffs.

1. I've never switched energy companies before

Now is as good a time as any to switch to a better deal. If you've never switched or haven't switched for a long time, you might be on a 'standard' tariff (which are expensive) and you will almost certainly save money by switching.

Which? says: compare gas and electricity suppliers now.

2. I'm on a fixed energy deal

It's always advisable to take a look at the market even when you're on a fixed tariff as there might be a better deal out there. But make sure you weigh up these savings against the exit fees and penalties (some fees are up to £100) which tend to accompany fixed deals.

Bear in mind that fixed deals tend to be priced at a premium, but they do offer you certainty over a period of time. If you switch before any price rises there's a good chance you could save by switching.

Which? says: run a energy comparison, but offset the potential savings against any exit fees and charges that apply on your current deal.

3. I'm on an online energy tariff

Online energy deals tend to be among the most competitive, so it depends how recently you switched to your tariff as to the savings you'd make by switching.

We'd always suggest you check and switch to a better deal when your tariff comes to an end anyway, to avoid being automatically moved to a different, and often less competitive, deal.

Which? says: check and switch now if there's a better deal, or switch when your deal comes to an end.

4. I'm on a standard energy deal

Standard gas and electricity tariffs are typically more expensive than other deals, so it's worth running an energy tariff comparison and switching to a better value deal.

Which? says: check and switch now if there's a better deal.

Check your energy options with Which? Switch

Which? Switch is the impartial switching service from Which?. Which? earns a commission for each energy switch that takes place, this covers the costs of running our site and goes towards the work we do campaigning on behalf of all consumers. The average saving when switching gas and electricity is £191 - this is based on the average estimated annual saving for customers who applied to switch suppliers through Which? Switch between 1st January 2014 and 30th June 2014.

How else can I keep my energy bills down?

There are a number of ways you can make savings on your energy bills in addition to switching:

• Change the way in which you pay - paying by direct debit will often earn you a discount.
• Submit a meter reading regularly and, in particular, on the day your energy company's price rise kicks in, so you're paying for the energy you actually use.
• Check with your energy supplier if there is any additional help you're entitled to, such as the £135 Warm Home Discount.

• Read our guide explaining how to compare energy suppliers.