With weather forecasters predicting the UK is about to be plunged into an Arctic cold snap, it's time to start thinking about how we're going to keep our homes warm without breaking the bank this winter.

And according to Consumer Focus and Citizens Advice, the first step we should take is to shop around for energy tariffs to see if we are missing out on better deals.

Research from the organisations found that six million households are planning to turn down their thermostat when the colder weather strikes because they are concerned about how they will pay hefty fuel bills.

Audrey Gallacher, director of energy at Consumer Focus, commented: "Energy prices are a big worry for many households across the country and switching tariff and/or supplier is one way to help save cash off your bills.

Citizens Advice chief executive Gillian Guy agreed, noting that just 15 per cent of people have made the move to a different energy provider in pursuit of significant savings.

"We see people who are fraught with their finances as they try to pay for essentials like food, petrol, heating and school uniforms while battling with rising costs and often shrinking incomes too," she added.

There are plenty of measures householders can take to save on bills this season, including turning off light switches when leaving a room empty and installing insulation in lofts and cavity walls to prevent heat from escaping.

If you do decide to switch, make sure you take a meter reading on the day you move to ensure you don't end up paying for two lots of fuel.

The Big Six energy suppliers - British Gas, E.ON, npower, SSE, EDF and Scottish Power - are also likely to be getting in touch with their customers this week to see whether they need advice on making their homes more energy efficient.

Angela Knight, chief executive at Energy UK, said energy companies recognise that rising prices are a major concern for householders struggling to cut costs.