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[C362]Centerpoint Energy Bill Pay

by Abbi Rouse, Abb

According to TheEnergyShop, the increases actioned by the country's six major gas and electricity providers - British Gas, npower, Scottish and Southern Energy, EDF Energy, ScottishPower and E.ON - over the first few months of 2008 have seen the average utilities bill rise by 14 per cent.

With such costs equating to an 128 pound increase to the typical household's bill, it was claimed that demands for payment for the 2008 winter quarter which are set to arrive in the weeks to come could place particular monetary strain on consumers. With the price comparison site pointing out that as the three-month period accounts for between 35 and 40 per cent of consumers' year-long energy usage, it was suggested that the forthcoming bill might cause increased strain. Meanwhile, a further round of tariff increases are predicted to take place later this year.

Following on from increased energy bills - particularly in the midst of current economic uncertainties - it may be possible that consumers find that they struggle even more to manage other sources of constraint on their spending. Such areas may well include loans repayments, mortgage costs and affording the cost of the weekly grocery shop.

Although all of the country's major energy providers have increased both the cost of their electricity and gas during the first few months of 2008, those who are customers with npower might find themselves under the most monetary pressure. The supplier opted to put up its gas and electricity costs by 19 and 13.2 per cent respectively. In addition, the firm was also the first of the big six to put up its prices, choosing to make such changes effective from January 5th.

Commenting on the figures, Joe Malinowski, founder of TheEnergyShop, said: "Consumers are much more likely to pay attention to the rising cost of their mortgage than they are to their energy bill. But because energy bills are often estimated and payment amounts adjusted infrequently, consumers can be storing up trouble down the line, which they may not be able to afford. It's best to be prepared."

As such, Britons were urged to take steps to reduce the financial impact that their utility bills will place on them. One way Mr Malinowski advised that this could be done is for those consumers who are charged on the basis an estimated meter reading to make a note of their actual energy consumption, send this to their supplier and request a revised bill. In addition, consumers who have concerns about their ability to pay their bills were recommended to get in touch with their provider as soon as possible. It was pointed out that although inaccuracies with statements impacts upon "a very small proportion of customers", those who are affected by this can develop debt difficulties.

The director of TheEnergyShop also asserted that companies are legally required to offer assistance and alternative methods of payment to those who are experiencing problems with making repayments. Meanwhile, it was stated that changing to a monthly direct debit payment method and moving to an online tariff could save consumers about 200 pounds per year.

Britons who are worried about their ability to manage higher energy costs and other expenses they will incur over 2008 might wish to consider getting a debt consolidation loan. By doing so, borrowers may be able to meet the cost of utility bills, in addition to expenses such as outstanding credit and store card repayments, other loans and mortgage arrears, quickly and effectively. And by being left with a single low-cost payment to make each month, consumers could find that they have more disposable income. Getting a consolidation loan might also be of particular help to many people after a recent Abbey Insurance survey showed 48 per cent of adults currently have money worries. The study also showed that about 500,000 Brits spend up to 25 hours a week fretting about their finances.

In the past I always looked forward to the summer months. The family barbecues, the hanging out at the local beach, the outdoor excitement means summer fun. But one of the biggest thrills? The reduction in my energy bill. So, you could imagine the mild shock I received when I opened this months July bill and read it. Ouch.

You may have had this same feeling when you opened yours. Before diving at my phone to call my gas company, informing them of the mistake, I saw a tiny note tucked behind the bill.

This note explained how normally the gas bill goes down in the summer months. But ( I always get nervous when they say but), due to the sudden rise in natural gas, they've had to pass the cost to the consumers. With everything else going up I was looking forward to my gas bill going down, considering I use much less gas in the summer, silly me.

So, I've decided to share these cost saving tips with you. You're no doubt experiencing or will experience same “gas bill sticker shock” I experienced. Here's 21 Ways to help make up for your extra this year.

1. Try air-conditioning certain rooms you occupy instead of the whole house by closing off rooms you're not in for long.

2. Use a fan with your air conditioner to spread the cool air around faster.

3. Use a fan instead of your air conditioner when possible.

4. Do most or all of your cooking in the early morning hours.

5. Use the microwave oven instead of the stove or oven during the day and evening hours.

6. Make sure you're drinking plenty of ice water throughout the day. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and too much sugary drinks.

7. Get one those miniature spray bottles fill it with cold water and lightly spray you face, the back of your neck and legs if you're wearing shorts.

8. Remember hot air rises, so you'll get the coolest air laying or lounging on the floor than sitting up in a chair or on the couch. If you live in a two-story house, the coolest air is on the first floor.

9. Most utility companies offer a flex plan, or reduced payment plan for people who may have trouble paying their summer utility bill. Contact your local utility company for details.

10. For your sun facing rooms make sure you keep your blinds closed during the day. If you have to open your blinds, open them in the up position it will keep your room cooler than the down position. Try it.

11. Install white or light colored shades to reflect the heat away from the house.

12. Close window shades on the south and west side of your house during the day where the sun is hottest.

13. Replace your incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents. Compact fluorescents provide the same amount of light but they use one-fifth the energy and heat.

14. Lowering your hot water heater to 120 F is comfortable for most uses during the summer and will help drastically reduce your energy bill.

15. Shower in the evening instead of the morning. You'll find it more refreshing after a h hot day and you'll use less hot water, a cold shower may sound like a good idea after a hot steamy day.

16. Arrange your refrigerator so you can find items easily, this will avoid holding the door open too long. For every five seconds you hold the door open during hot weather reduces the refrigerator temperature 2 to 3 degrees, making it work harder and burn energy.

17. Avoid taking baths, take showers instead and save water.

18. Planting a tree on the west and south side of your house can save you up to $100 to $150 in energy cost. A deciduous tree will help cool you home in the summer while allowing sunlight in the cold winter months. Be careful of planting it too close to the house, where the roots can be a problem, consult your local nursery for details.

19. Insultating your attic can reduce your energy cost 10 to 12 percent.

20. Check your hot water tank. A hot water tank that's warm to the touch needs additional insulation. Insulating your storage water heater tank is simple and inexpensive, and it will pay for itself in about a year. You can find pre-cut jackets or blankets available for $10–$20. Buy one with an insulating value of at least R-8. In addition, some city utilities companies sell them at discount prices, offer rebates, and even install them at a low or no cost.

21. A home energy audit is the first step in knowing how much energy and money your home uses wastes. It's the best way to know what you must do to make your home more energy efficient. You can perform a simple energy. audit yourself, or have a professional energy auditor carry out a more thorough audit.

Article Source : Pg. 191

About Author

Both Abbi Rouse & Roy Primm are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Abbi Rouse has sinced written about articles on various topics from Personal Finance, Careers and Job Hunting and Diabetes Treatment. Abbi Rouse writes for All About Loans where visitors can apply online for . We also specialise in. Abbi Rouse's top article generates over 49500 views. to your Favourites.

Roy Primm has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Management, Finances and Writing. . Roy Primm's top article generates over 5400 views. to your Favourites.