Households that switch electricity providers are twice as likely to have lower bills than those that don’t. Source: Supplied

A survey found that 84 per cent of households support the reduction in electricity prices and 70 per cent are annoyed or appalled that taxpayers’ money is being used to oppose the cuts.

Networks NSW is challenging the Australian Energy Regulator over its proposal that the state’s power bills be slashed claiming it would reduce safety and reliability.

Of the 7,000 households surveyed by consumer group One Big Switch only 5 per cent said they supported the challenge citing safety and jobs as paramount.

One Big Switch is now preparing a 10,000 signature petition which it will hand to the NSW government and opposition calling for lower electricity bills.

“This legal action is really on the nose for the vast majority of NSW households, who are footing the bill,” campaign director Joel Gibson said today, “It risks undermining the legacy of this NSW government, which has had a strong record up until now on fighting high power prices.”

Saving money ... Jaimin Shah and his wife Ruchi, with son Viaan, have joined the Big Energy Switch to keep down their electricity costs. Picture: Stephen Cooper Source: News Limited

The bus driver from Holroyd lives with his wife, Ruchi, and their one1 year-old son Viaan, and regularly switches providers to save money on everything from phone bills to gas and electricity.

“If you speak out and try to bargain you can get a better deal,” Shah says.

He says he tries to keep his power bills under $300 a quarter.

“My wife left work last year (to look after the baby). We only have one income so we have to make sure we stick to a particular level otherwise there is nothing left for a little holiday at the end of the year.”

The survey also found households that switch electricity providers are twice as likely to have lower bills than those that don’t.

The poll found that 18 per cent have achieved a price cut by switching providers compared with 9 per cent who have used other means to lower bills.

Of those who have switched providers, 54 per cent said the process was easy or very easy.

However a third of people who have never switched attributed it to being “afraid of the unknown”.

One Big Switch and The Daily Telegraph are urging consumers to join the Big Energy Switch at www.onebigswitch.com.au to drive down their power bills. The campaign will use people power to try to unlock a deal on energy for those who participate.

More than 13,000 households have already joined the campaign which runs until July 3.

There is no obligation to take up any offer but it will only be available to those who join.

One Big Switch and News Corp will earn a commission from any accepted deals.