Now could be the best time to make contingency plans for cheaper electric and gas bills, according to a leading price comparison website. As the Government begins to unveil its carbon reduction targets UK households and business are going to have to look at reducing their energy out put so that they fall inline with government targets.

There are a range of shops that cater for low energy appliances and accessories in stores such as B&Q and even supermarkets have a fantastic range of energy saving devices. The price comparison site has also offered a number of tips to homeowners aimed at helping them keep their energy costs to a minimum.

These include only boiling the required amount of water in a kettle, reducing the use of electrical and gas appliances, by switching off lights and gadgets when not in use and not to leave them on standby.

Even something as simple as reducing the temperature on your washing machine from 40C to 30C can help cut your energy consumption.

The group adds that although a bit pricey an Energy Saving Monitor all but allows families to see their rising bills in real time – and bring down their use accordingly. Thusly this will allow a family to recoup the price of the energy meter. “For around 45 to 150 pounds, you will save you and your family in the long run”.

It goes on to advise about buying efficiently – such as replacing an old gas boiler with an energy efficient model. Now maybe also a good time to replace that aging fridge freezer or washing machine. With a lot of appliances a lot more energy efficient than there predecessors this could lead to a long term saving.

However, there have been concerns that for renewable energy plants to be developed, it could cause utility costs to rise now to cover the cost of future renewable energy sources such as wind farms and solar energy collection. With this in mind it could spell the end of cheap gas and electricity offers as companies try to recoup their investment.