article_snippet: The standard packages are £180 a year more expensive than the cheapest tariff, with some customers paying nearly £250 a year more.
article_snippet: Last month the Competition and Markets Authority released early findings of an inquiry into the sector that the Big Six were overcharging millions of loyal customers by up to £234 a year.
article_snippet: The CMA found the Big Six had consistently charged higher prices for standard variable tariffs than for other deals such as fixed tariffs.
article_snippet: New fixed-price deals are able to take advantage of short-term changes in costs and usually offer lower prices than the standard deals, often for a year or two. '
article_snippet: However, the important thing for customers to remember is there are a wide range of deals available in the market. '
article_snippet: If a customer thinks a customer might be able to save some money by switching tariff or company, a customer should log on to a comparison site or call a customer supplier.'
article_snippet: Ofgem chief executive Dermot Nolan said: 'While recent price cuts are a step in the right direction, many customers could be better off to the tune of up to £250 by moving from a variable rate to a fixed rate deal. '
article_snippet: Consumers deserve a fair deal - and this is exactly why we're backing the CMA's investigation.'
article_snippet: Households should really review deals every year to ensure Households aren't overpaying, but even moving every other year will save you significant amounts.
article_snippet: Remember, suppliers offer suppliers cheapest rates via online tariffs.
article_snippet: Prices are different all over the country and the cheapest supplier for you will depend where you live.
article_snippet: You can check how prices compare using the tool on the right.