Energy bills almost double in six years As well as reversing only a small proportion of previous price rises, the announced cuts will barely scratch the surface of fuel poverty in the UK. Last year's energy price increases saw fuel poverty rocket to 6.9 million households. This year's cuts can be expected to pull just 136,500 households back out of the trap. Research from Citizens Advice has shown that four out of 10 people are worried that they cannot afford their next energy bill. However, some households may be struggling unnecessarily because they are not on the best deal. Even if you are one of the five million consumers who switched tariffs last year, you should keep an eye on prices after any special deal ends. Most providers switch customers back to their standard tariff, which is likely to be more expensive than the deals offered to new customers. Despite the recent price cuts, you may be paying over the odds for heating your home. Consumers should make sure they switch regularly to take advantage of these offers. For instance, according to Moneysupermarket.com, households looking to switch to the cheapest online dual-fuel energy deal should look to First Utility's iSave v9, which costs an average of £1,030 a year, or Scottish Power's Online Energy Saver 17 tariff, which costs around £1,085 annually - savings of more than £221 and £166 respectively. If it is a fixed-rate deal you are after, you should look to npower's Go Fix 10, which costs £1,078 annually, or EDF's Fix to March 2013 tariff, which costs around £1,080 a year - savings £173 or £171 respectively. Further add to your savings by signing up via cashback website Quidco.com and earn £30 from npower and £20 from EDF. Compare gas and electricity prices and cut your bills with the Telegraph Energy Comparison Service Switch >>