Gas and electricity prices are soaring across the UK, placing pressure on the general public as energy bills have risen as high as 12%. The UK has been hit relatively hard because it is one of Europe’s biggest users of natural gas – 85% of homes use gas central heating, and it also generates a third of the country’s electricity. Consumers are usually encouraged to compare the market to save money on their bills, however cheaper alternatives are scarce due to the demand on suppliers.
This article has been written to help advise on the best ways to save money on your gas and electricity bills, as well as what you can do to improve the energy efficiency of your home.
Simple things you can do to spend less money on gas and electricity
Switch supplier or tariff – You might be able to save money if you switch supplier or tariff. If you look on a price comparison website, you won’t find as many tariffs as usual – this is because many energy companies are struggling. If you don’t find a better tariff than the one you’re already on, it’s probably better to wait until deals are available again.
If your energy supplier goes bust – Don’t switch tariff or supplier until your account is moved to the new supplier. You might find it harder to get any money you’re owed if you switch before this happens.
If you’re on a fixed tariff – The cost of your energy stays the same each month. It’s usually best to switch supplier or tariff near the end of your contract.
Clauses to watch out for:
If you don’t do anything before your contract ends, your supplier will probably move you to their ‘standard’ tariff. This will usually be more expensive. Your contract normally lasts for a year – check your bills if you’re not sure when your tariff ends. If your contract is ending soon or you want more advice about switching, check how to switch supplier. If you’re on a standard tariff- The cost of your energy can go up or down. You might have chosen a standard tariff or your supplier might have put you on it after your fixed tariff ended.
Standard contracts are often more expensive than fixed tariffs, so it’s worth checking whether you could get a better deal by switching supplier. You can switch to a different contract at any time without being charged a fee.
Make your home more energy efficient
You might be able to save money by making your home more energy efficient. For example, you might be able to make some home improvements or change the way you use your appliances.
Use your tumble dryer less, if you have one – try to dry your clothes outside or by an open window instead.
Run your washing machine at 30 degrees and make sure you wash a full load when you can.
Use LED or other energy-efficient light bulbs.
Turn off plug sockets at the wall if you’re not using them.
Close your curtains in the evening to keep in heat when it’s cold.
Make sure your fridge is set between 3 and 5 degrees and defrost your freezer regularly.
Get a smart meter or energy monitor.
Use more energy efficient appliances.
A smart meter can help you understand what you’re spending on gas or electricity. This could help you work out how to spend less. Most people can get a smart meter for free. If you don’t want a smart meter, you can buy an energy monitor instead. This tells you how much energy you’re using.
Check if you are eligible for any benefits and grants to help you pay your bills
You might be eligible for certain grants and benefits if you:
Have reached state pension age – check your State Pension age on GOV.UK.
Have a disability.
Have no income or a low income.
Have missed payments to your energy supplier.
Useful sources
Here is a list of useful sources and websites that contain advice and further information to help you save on your gas and energy bills.
https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/
Save money on your gas and electricity – Citizens Advice
Make sure your home is energy efficient – Citizens Advice
How Care first can help
If you would like advice on how to save on your gas and electricity bills, our Telephone Information Specialists can help. Our expert advisors, trained by Citizen’s advice, are available Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm by calling our Freephone line.
More information
If you would like to hear more about this topic, please join our live Webinar on ‘Tips on how to reduce energy price increases’ on Thursday 20th January at 12:00pm-12:30pm. To register, please use the following link –
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2057783710556856079
If you are unable to join the webinar live, a recording of the session can be accessed using the same link above after the webinar has taken place.
If you feel you may need some support, you can contact Care first. Care first is a leading provider of confidential, professional counselling, information and advice services. All employees are eligible to use Care first, our services include; telephone counselling, information services and online support. Call Care first on the Freephone number provided by your organisation and you can speak to a professional in confidence.
Please be aware that Care first is an external provider and the information in their webinars may not fully align with advice from the University on some subjects.