The importance of having access to the Internet was underlined again today. A new study revealed that those without a UK ISP paid more for their heating and hot water bills (average of £756 per year on a standard tariff) than broadband connected surfers who could take an online energy plan (£616).

According to the uSwitch study, a typical UK household can expect to spend around £1,239 a year on energy bills, some 60% of which will go on heating and hot water alone. Meanwhile households that pay their fuel bills online spend just £1,010, or £229 a year less on their total energy and about £140 less on hot water and heating.


However it's worth remembering that this isn't just an issue for those who don't have internet access. The UK Office of National Statistics (ONS) reported in August last year that 19.2 million households (73%) are now online. However Ofgem's 'Sustainability Report' states that just 13% of households have adopted an online energy plan.

Today it's cheaper than ever to get online, with plenty of broadband deals and low-cost computer solutions being available. Ultimately the amount of money that can be saved will usually far out-way any initial investment.