The Fixer: energy prices

Have you been left out of pocket due to poor service or sharp practice? Do you have a money problem that won't go away?

It can seem impossible to get a fair result when you are battling a financial issue alone. But never fear! The AOL Money Fixer is here to help.

Dear Fixer,
My fixed-rate energy deal with nPower came to an end last month. Is it a good idea to switch to another fixed-rate plan or should I look for a cheaper option?

I know that energy prices have come down recently and I don't want to get tied into a deal that becomes poor value for money a few months down the line.

R Evans, London
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Dear Mr Evans,
Signing up to a home energy plan offering great value for money for a set period can slash your household bills.

But once that deal comes to an end, you will be rolled over onto the provider's, often much more expensive standard tariff.

So you are sensible to think about switching now your nPower deal has come to an end - especially as energy prices are very low at the moment.

Oil and gas prices have come down to their lowest quarterly average since 2010, making it a great time to find a new deal. But there is no guarantee they will continue to fall.

And even though you may be able to find a slightly cheaper deal by opting for a variable-rate plan, most of the best deals on the market at the moment are fixed.

In other words: you don't need to choose between protection from rising prices and a cheap energy supply.

To find the best deal for you, consider the tariffs on offer from smaller energy companies as well as big providers such as nPower and British Gas.

Smaller suppliers offering competitive deals at the moment include Extra Energy, First Utility and GB Energy Supply.

But use a comparison website to find the best option for your household.

The Fixer

Whatever your financial problem, write to themoneyfixer@aim.com and The AOL Money Fixer will get on the case.