As most people receive their quarterly energy bill for the winter period, a survey of more than 6,000 Which? members, by Switch with Which?, reveals that only 15% have switched energy supplier in the last 12 months.

Around three in ten of those who hadn't switched said it was because they didn't think it would save them much money, but people that changed supplier or tariff using Switch with Which? saved £257 on average.

Of those who did take the plunge, 90% found it easy to do and most used a switching website. When asked why they had changed their supplier, price topped the list.

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Customers can also make savings without switching supplier, by changing to an online tariff, paying monthly by direct debit or choosing a dual fuel option, where gas and electricity is provided by the same supplier.

Alison Morrison, Switch with Which?, said: "There's no doubt that 2009 is going to be a tough financial year and we're all looking at ways to cut our spending, particularly as the winter energy bills start arriving. People may be alarmed at the impact of last year's price increases and shouldn't bank on energy companies cutting their prices by as much as they increased them.

"The potential for an extra £250 in your pocket is a great incentive to change your energy provider or tariff, and help get the year off on a sound financial footing."

(CD/JM)