How to save How to save on electricity and gas bills

How to save on utility bills by switching

Switch with Which? to save on utility bills

A simple way to cut your gas and electricity bills is by switching to a cheaper provider. 

The volatility of energy prices has made it more important than ever to ensure you're on the right gas or electricity tariff.

There's a bewildering array on offer, some deals are only available online and some only valid in certain parts of the country.

A utilities price comparison site such as switchwithwhich.co.uk, that compares over 5,000 tariffs, could help cut your bills (by an average of £267) by finding the best one for your circumstances. 

Fixing your tariff generally isn’t a good idea when prices are volatile, as you could end up paying much more if gas and electricity prices go down significantly.

Obviously, it’s only worth fixing if the market is more predictable, and prices are more likely to rise than fall. Getting both gas and electricity from one supplier can ensure you get a better tariff and paying by direct debit or managing your bills online will certainly ensure savings.

Read your meter

If you are with the right supplier, make sure you’re just paying for the energy you use. Regular estimated bills can mean you pay much more than necessary.

If you haven’t had your meter read recently and have just received an estimated bill, do a reading yourself straight away and phone this in to your energy supplier. Do this each time you get an estimated bill to ensure you’re not paying over the odds. 

If you have a complaint about your energy company, the new watchdog with responsibility for gas and electricity (among other things) is Consumer Focus, or see our guide on how to complain to find out about your rights and the best way to raise your concerns. 

Heating oil

If you’re one of the estimated 1.5 million heating oil users in the UK, there are still ways you can make sure you’re getting the best deal. 

Some companies have different tariffs, and you may be able to shop around for a distributor in your area who can offer a more competitive price, especially if there are several households who can act together.

Cheapestoil.co.uk is an online comparison site dedicated to finding the best deal for heating oil users. Oil providers offering useful online tips to home heating oil customers include Boilerjuice.com and Heatingoil.co.uk.  

Insulation, insulation, insulation

Whatever fuel you use, get advice on how you can make your home more energy efficient to save even more money.

The Energy Saving Trust can offer free, independent advice on special offers from energy companies to contribute to the cost of fitting insulation, and grants to help pay for fitting solar panels.

For example, someone over 60 in County Durham who owns their own home can get grants of up to £400 to help pay for cavity wall insulation, or they could get up to £175 off their council tax by having cavity wall insulation installed by British Gas. See our insulation guide for information about the different types of insulation).