energy saving tips for home

Comparing electricity rates and suppliers

Tips and advice that help you overcome the energy crisis.

How to save on your energy bills in your home.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

What our expert says...

Don’t just take our word for it, join thousands of other happy savers who Compare Energy rates with UtilityKing.

Why are energy bills so high?

One of the main causes of high energy bills is recognized to be inadequate insulation. Simply said, the warm or cool air will escape from your home if it is improperly insulated. Approximately 90% of U.S. homes are now under-insulated, according to the North American Manufacturers Association (NAIMA).

Why switch gas and electricity providers?

You may compare gas and electricity costs separately, even though dual fuel is a common option to keep your energy in one package. You might perhaps uncover new bargains that give further savings by evaluating energy tariffs independently. Nobody likes to pay their bills too much in debt. Finding excellent bargains on affordable gas and electricity is simple with our energy comparison tool.

Can I save money by switching energy suppliers?

You'll probably save money when you switch energy providers if you haven't done it in more than a year. The majority of gas and electricity providers give new customers significant discounts for the first 12 months. You will, however, be required to pay the usual fee after this discounted term expires, which is frequently substantially higher. A consumer who switches from a regular tariff to a more affordable one might save up to $500. Switching is simple.

Can I compare gas and electricity separately?

You may compare gas and electricity costs separately, even though dual fuel is a common option to keep your energy in one package. You might perhaps uncover new bargains that give further savings by evaluating energy tariffs independently. Nobody likes to pay their bills too much in debt. Finding excellent bargains on affordable gas and electricity is simple with our energy comparison tool.

How often do energy prices change?

The price per kilowatt-hour is continually fluctuating as a result of the high expenses associated with producing and supplying power. There will still be fluctuation, but you may lock your tariff for a while by signing up for a fixed tariff energy plan.

What information do I need to switch energy supplier?

Just your zip code and a current electricity bill are required to change energy providers. If you don't have access to a physical copy of your bills, you might be able to discover the details you need by checking your emails or by visiting the website or mobile app of your energy provider.

Will my gas and electricity be interrupted if I switch?

No. Whatever source you choose, you will continue to get the same amount of supplies. The only things that alter are the firm that sends you your invoices and the cost of your electricity. Unless you have chosen to have a smart meter installed, there won't be any disruption to your supply throughout the energy switching procedure, and no one will need to visit your house.

What is the difference between fixed and variable-rate tariffs?

A "fixed price" electricity tariff guarantees that the cost of your gas and electricity units won't fluctuate throughout the course of the contract. Your energy cost may change during the course of the plan if it is variable. If your provider announces a price increase while you're on a fixed pricing plan, your rates won't change.

Is it easier to switch gas and electricity together?

Is switching to the same provider for electricity and gas more affordable? Nowadays, the majority of energy providers will offer to provide you with both gas and electricity. You will be given savings for signing up for a "dual fuel" tariff in order to seduce you into working with a single provider for both fuels.

Can I switch energy supplier if I owe money?

Yes! Whether you have a prepayment meter or pay for your energy monthly or quarterly, it is possible, but there are some limits you'll really have to take into account. You are free to change your energy provider if your balance is under £500 and you use a prepayment meter. But keep in mind that the new provider must consent to assume this obligation, and you must then pay them back. The Debt Assignment Protocol, established by Ofgem, mandates that you must be able to transfer to a less expensive provider if your debt is below a particular threshold. If you have debt, you may be able to set up a repayment plan that uses the money you put on your prepayment meter to pay off your debt as well as the energy you use. However, if you owe a significant sum, it could be a good idea to find counseling and commit to a debt solution to reduce the debt amount.

I'm moving home. How can I switch gas and electricity?

Finding a better price on your gas and electricity is a terrific opportunity when you move. The current energy provider will frequently start what is known as a "deemed contract" when you move into your new house. You might want to start looking around as soon as possible to find a better deal, as this can be one of the most expensive tariffs.

Can I switch energy supplier if I rent a home?

Finding a better price on your gas and electricity is a terrific opportunity when you move. The current energy provider will frequently start what is known as a "deemed contract" when you move into your new house. You might want to start looking around as soon as possible to find a better deal, as this can be one of the most expensive tariffs.

Can I change my electricity supplier if I have a smart meter?

The presence of a smart meter has no bearing on your ability to switch energy providers because all smart meters communicate in the same "language," regardless of who provides your electricity. The option to select between interval and non-interval services will remain available. However, the product plans and offers could fluctuate among various electrical providers. All of our dual fuel and electricity clients must adhere to this.

How can I find a green energy supplier?

It's simple to find the best green energy offer. Enter your postcode and a few basic facts about your current supplier in the energy comparison box at the top of this page. You will find out the best energy deal available near you.

Where do the energy price comparison figures come from?

Similar to other commodities, product supply and demand heavily influence the price. The key factors influencing price development also include market speculation and geopolitical developments.

How do personal projections work with fixed tariff plans?

With this personal projection, you may use a switching service or manually check costs. Using our comparison tool, you can find a more affordable tariff with a different energy provider if you're not satisfied with the offer made by your present energy supplier. UtilityKing provides a free switching service that will provide you with correct information by researching the market. And make sure you are on the most advantageous energy tariff.

How do energy comparison sites make money?

The fact is that consumers may use energy comparison websites for free. It is because the majority of the money that these websites receive comes from commissions from various energy providers. Every time a consumer uses a switch on the comparison website, they get paid. As a result, an energy comparison website can influence more people to switch the more visits it receives. Additionally, it increases revenue.

What is a dual fuel tariff and do I need one?

When you use dual fuel, your gas and electricity are supplied by the same energy provider. Gas and electricity from the same supplier may result in financial savings, and receiving bills from just one business is typically more convenient. There will be less paperwork needed. Additionally, you only need to contact one provider if something goes wrong.

Why should I switch electricity?

Your power costs might be reduced by switching providers. However, it's not always about how much money you save. You could be tired of receiving terrific customer service or desire more access to information about your consumption via an app. Also, you could choose your power provider based on their environmental commitment and whether they provide a smart meter.

Am I eligible for Warm Home Discount?

This often depends on your income and whether you are eligible for pension credit. Your name must appear on the bill, and your supplier must participate in the discount program.

I’m a tenant. Can I switch electricity supplier?

Tenants can switch power suppliers as long as they pay their energy bills and are included in the account. Tenants whose landlords handle their bill-paying are one exception. If your lease includes all-inclusive costs or your landlord re-bills you for your energy consumption, they get to pick the power provider. Although you can ask them to modify it, they are not obligated to do so. If your landlord has a preferred service provider, you can switch while you are a tenant.

What about switching with a pre-payment meter?

You can switch your power provider if you have a pre-payment meter, regardless of whether you rent your residence. When your lease expires, your landlord could request that you switch back if you are a tenant and have changed providers. You have the option to switch your electricity provider even if you decide to keep using a pre-payment meter. Pre-payment rates are offered by several energy suppliers. However, you might find that your options are more limited and that pre-payment meter tariffs are more expensive than standard meters. A standard meter has a lot of benefits that should be considered. Because there is more competition among energy providers for conventional meters, you will have access to a wide range of prices. As a result, switching service providers frequently may save you money because you'll be able to find consistently good deals to keep your electricity costs down. If you have good credit, big energy companies might help you convert from a pre-payment meter to a conventional meter without charging you anything.

What is Economy 7 meter?

With Economy 7 meters, you will enjoy various electricity tariffs during the day and at night. If you are subscribed to one of these plans, you will have a special meter. The number "7" stands for the seven off-peak hours per day. Energy consumption is frequently taxed at a significantly higher rate outside certain hours. Economy 7 meters are known as "white meters" in Scotland.

I have solar panels. Can I switch my feed-in-tariff (FIT) too?

You are allowed to change providers, but as the feed-in-tariff prices are established by the industry regulator Ofgem, moving won't always result in a lower price. However, some vendors could offer higher calibers of client service. You may replace either one without impacting the other since the provider that makes your FIT payments doesn't have to be the same one who gives you electricity. The FIT program is no longer accepting new applications. However, under the Smart Export Guarantee, you can be compensated if your solar panels produce more power than you consume.

How long will it take to switch electricity supplier?

After using our comparison tool to find the best electricity offer, you can finish your application and begin the switchover. Customers covered by the Energy Transfer Guarantee can switch energy service providers (Big Six suppliers) whenever they want, but they must do so within 21 days.

Will my electricity be cut if I switch supplier?

If you switch energy providers, there won't be a break in service according to the Energy Switch Guarantee. There is no need to mess with equipment because power enters your home through the same lines and cables, irrespective of who delivers it. No service interruptions ought to occur on the day of the switchover.

Do I need to tell my current supplier?

Most of the time, your new provider will contact your current one on your behalf, resolving everything and ensuring a smooth transition. To prevent any delays in your service transferring over, it's a good idea to double-check this before signing up for a new tariff.