Consumers looking to save money on gas and electricity have been flocking to switch providers, according to statistics from price comparions site Energyhelpline.com. The site has reported switching rates doubling after the New Year, as people start to take their finances into account for the New Year.

A typical day sees around 7,000 homes switching their supplier or tariff across the country. Energyhelpline.com is currently estimating that this has jumped by at least double, and possibly trebled since the beginning of the New Year.

With recently announced price rises beginning to take hold, many consumers appear to be taking control of their energy costs in order to cut their bills. Mark Todd, director of Energyhelpline.com says, "People return to normality after the holiday period and at last say 'I am going to get my energy bills down this year' rather than simply put up with them rising."

"Savings of up to £331 a year are possible for a typical home, and switching to your cheapest deal through a reputable and independent comparison service is still the quickest and easiest way to cut energy bills."

  to compare suppliers and beat the price rises