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Fuel bills for millions of UK households will rise in September, after British Gas announced big price rises. Industry regulator Ofgem is urging the firm's customers to shop around and get themselves a better deal. BBC News Online asks how easy this is and if it is worth it.

What are my options?

The domestic energy market opened up to competition in 1996.

This means most UK households, apart from those in remote areas, can switch suppliers.

There are about six major gas and electricity suppliers and a range of smaller suppliers which customers can choose from.

Have other energy suppliers put up their prices?

Many energy suppliers have already increased their prices this year.

EDF energy, Powergen, Scottish Power, and Scottish & Southern have all put up prices in recent months.

For example, EDF has increased electricity prices by 10.5% and gas prices by 8.1% since January.

Powergen is putting up the cost of gas from 6 September by 3.1%, in addition to a rise of 4.9% in April.

So, what's the point in switching?

Although prices are rising across the board, you can probably get a better deal if you switch, especially if you have never changed supplier before.

Industry regulator Ofgem calculates that a typical British Gas customer could cut �98 a year from their gas bill, �41 from their electricity bill or �127 a year from dual fuel if they switched to another supplier.

It is now urging customers to switch away from British Gas and get a better deal.

How can I find the best deal?

Comparing prices is easy.

Consumer group Energywatch provides price comparisons by area on its website. These show you in pounds and pence how much you could save.

A list of supply companies in your area can be obtained from Energywatch on 0845 9060708 or from its website (see link on right).

There are also a range of dedicated commercial comparison sites, where you can compare services and calculate how much you would save by switching supplier.

These sites include Buy.co.uk, Uswitch.com or Saveonyourbills.co.uk (see links on right).

Is it difficult to switch suppliers?

The first step in the transfer process is to sign up with a new supplier. The second is to inform your existing supplier of your intention to switch, preferably in writing.

The faster this is done, the smoother the transfer goes. On the day of the switch, customers are advised to take a meter reading to check against the final bill from their old supplier.

It is important to check the meter number to ensure the new supplier is billing you for the correct meter.

IMPACT ON AVERAGE BILL* Gas paid quarterly: �422 a year to �474 a year Gas paid by direct debit: �378 a year to �425 a year Electricity paid quarterly: �257 a year to �281 a year Electricity paid by direct debit: �245 a year to �268 a year Prepayment gas: �422 a year to �474 a year Prepayment electricity: �273 a year to �299 a year *Average usage and prices include VAT. Source: British Gas Why are prices rising? Disconnections - Know your rights

For a detailed guide on switching, check the Energywatch website, where you can also check the customer service record of a particular company.

What if I don't want the hassle of switching?

It is worth checking with your existing supplier what special deals they offer.

Many offer so-called "dual fuel" deals, a combined price for electricity and gas, although these are not always the cheapest deal.

Some suppliers offer cheaper tariffs for older people while others offer capped or fixed price deals which enable customers to budget their fuel spending.

A typical British Gas customer who pays their bill on a quarterly basis could save about �50 a year by switching to monthly direct debit.

British Gas also offers discounts for people who receive their bill via an email account.

There is a �10 discount on a dual fuel customer's annual bill and a �5 discount off for single supplies.

Are there any other ways I can save money on my bills?

According to the Energy Savings Trust, the average household could save up to �200 a year by being more energy efficient.

Its website offers information on energy efficient measures in the home.

You can also contact your local Energy Efficiency Advice Centre (EEAC), which has 52 centres around the UK, on 0800 512 012.

The Energy Savings Trust has a search facility on its website which allows you to find out what grants are available in your area to help you be more energy efficient.