An increasing number of people are choosing to change their electricity or gas supplier - about four million in 2006 alone, according to industry watchdog Ofgem - in order to take advantage of cheaper rates for their utilities.
However, switching supplier may not be the only way to reduce the cost of heating bills.
Meanwhile, the European Commission (EC) is currently working towards a more transparent system for consumers across the continent.
The commission advises that customers should feel confident that they have not been pressurised into switching supplier, as well as being assured that they will not be charged if they choose to move to another utility provider.
Power usage is becoming increasingly important in other ways, with the introduction of compulsory energy performance certificates as a key element of home information packs (Hip).
In light of this, those homeowners looking to sell their property could find increasing their energy efficiency to be a means by which their domicile can receive a more favourable energy rating.
Even for those looking to move out in the short-term, this could equate to a significant increase in the asking price of their home.
