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Energy providers should not be seen as enemies and may be able to help families who are struggling to pay their gas and electricity bills, it has been claimed.

Before taking out a loan to cover expenditures, people may be interested to hear that according to one sector commentator, there may be tariffs available for low-income households.

Maria Wardrobe, warm homes campaigner for National Energy Action(NEA), also claims that switching providers may result in cheaper gas and electricity bills for individuals, although if paying for energy is just the tip of the financial iceberg, secured loans may help to cover costs.

"I don't really think we are going to see any reductions in the price of energy until 2009 sadly, although we would be greatly appreciative if this were the case," she says.

Furthermore, research by the NEA found that the average annual gas bill is £817, while electricity stands at £471.

As such, as prices may continue to rise, secured loans could provide struggling households with a cash pot to cover costs until their financial situation begins to improve.