As of August 2012, customers have saved over $1.6 million on their bills.

In general, before customers can save any money, they must meet minimum levels of use.

Starting with the May billing period, a typical residential customer would save about $1.68 a month.

"It's still a good process and customers are saving," he insisted.

"We make less profit, but the customer obviously saves, and he may buy other products from us."

He said customers can typically save 9 to 14 percent off the cruise lines' published prices by buying through his agency.

For repeated delivery of the product or service, the customer also saves time.

It is estimated that around 50 big customers will save more than £10,000 a year.

While that may have helped many low-income customers save money, there could be a heavy health cost.

What is the amount a customer will save on a rod regularly priced at $25?