Energy & utilities guides

Switching Energy Suppliers: A Simple How-To Guide

• Switching is administrative only — supply is never interrupted
• Most switches complete in around five working days (after cooling-off)
• You have a 14-day cooling-off period
• Exit fees may apply on fixed tariffs
• You can switch penalty-free within 49 days of contract end
• Smart meters usually remain fully functional
• Final bills must be issued within six weeks

Understanding Your Energy Bill

• Bills are calculated using kWh usage
• Unit rate × consumption = usage cost
• Standing charge applies daily
• VAT: 5% on gas; electricity is 0% until 31 March 2027
• Direct debit smooths seasonal variation

Fixed and variable energy tariffs

• Fixed tariffs lock your unit rate for a set period
• Variable tariffs can rise or fall with market changes
• The Energy Price Cap limits most standard variable tariffs
• Fixed tariffs often include exit fees
• The best choice depends on risk tolerance and market conditions

Understanding Smart Meters

• Smart meters send readings automatically
• Bills are based on actual usage
• They do not automatically reduce bills
• You can decline installation
• Data privacy is regulated

Renewable Energy for Your Home

• Solar panels generate electricity and reduce grid purchases
• Home batteries increase self-consumption and flexibility
• Heat pumps replace gas boilers with electric heating
• Green tariffs vary in structure and impact
• Government grants can reduce upfront costs
• Payback depends on usage patterns, not just system size

EV Charging at Home Explained

• Home charging is usually cheaper than public rapid charging
• Most homes install a 7kW wallbox charger
• Off-peak EV tariffs can significantly reduce running costs
• Installation may require electrical assessment
• Smart charging regulations apply to new chargers

Energy Saving Tips for Your Home

• Heating efficiency usually delivers the biggest savings
• Small behavioural changes can compound over time
• Insulation reduces demand permanently
• Appliance efficiency matters over the long term
• Measurement is essential — guesswork leads to poor decisions

Solar Panels Explained

• Solar panels generate electricity from daylight and can reduce your reliance on grid power. The financial benefit comes mainly from using the electricity you produce yourself, rather than exporting surplus to the grid.
• Most UK homes install systems between 3kW and 5kW, with installation costs commonly ranging from £5,000 to £8,000. Savings depend heavily on roof suitability, shading, electricity usage patterns and whether you add battery storage.
• Solar works best when you can use more power during daylight hours. Export payments under the Smart Export Guarantee are available but are usually modest compared to the value of self-consumption.
• Panels typically last 25+ years, while inverters may need replacement after 10–15 years. Installer certification and proper documentation are essential for export eligibility.

Heat Pumps Explained

• Heat pumps move heat rather than generate it
• They work best in well-insulated homes
• Flow temperatures are lower than gas boilers
• Boiler Upgrade Scheme grants may be available
• Installation quality is critical

Understanding EPCs

• EPC ratings range from A to G
• Required when selling or renting
• Based on standardised modelling
• Includes recommended improvements
• Landlords face minimum rating rules

Home Batteries Explained

• Batteries store electricity for later use
• Most common with solar panels
• Can increase self-consumption
• Expensive upfront
• May benefit from time-of-use tariffs

Time-of-Use Tariffs Explained

• Prices vary by time
• Requires smart meter
• Can reduce bills if usage is flexible
• Risk of higher bills if not managed carefully

Energy price cap tracker

Where Ofgem's price cap stands now, what it means for a typical bill in your region, and when it next changes.

The price cap, explained

How Ofgem builds the cap, what it limits and what it does not, and why it changes every three months.

What it costs to run

What your kettle, shower, TV, washing machine, tumble dryer and fridge-freezer cost to run at today's price cap, in your region or on your own fixed rate.

District Heating Explained

• Heat generated centrally and distributed to multiple homes
• No individual gas boiler
• Pricing may differ from standard gas supply
• Consumer protections evolving
• Heat network regulation increasing

How Energy Markets Actually Work

• Energy is traded in wholesale markets before reaching suppliers
• Gas often sets electricity prices in the UK
• Suppliers hedge energy months or years ahead
• Network costs are regulated and form part of your bill
• Global events heavily influence UK prices
• Ofgem regulates suppliers and the Energy Price Cap

Out-of-Contract Rates Explained

Out-of-contract rates are significantly higher energy prices applied when a business contract expires without renewal, making it crucial to secure a new deal promptly to avoid substantial, unnecessary costs.

Energy Supply for Park Homes Explained

• Many park homes receive energy via site owner resale
• Maximum resale price rules apply
• Residents may not be able to switch supplier
• Ofgem protections differ from standard domestic supply

Home Energy Grants & Support Explained

• Several government-backed schemes help fund insulation and heating upgrades
• Eligibility often depends on income, benefits or EPC rating
• Energy suppliers must deliver funding under the ECO scheme
• Additional support exists for households in fuel poverty
• Always apply through official or accredited channels

Priority Services Register Explained

• Free support for vulnerable energy customers
• Available through suppliers and network operators
• Includes outage support, accessible communications and safety services
• Covers temporary and long-term vulnerability
• You can register at any time

Contact your energy supplier

Phone numbers, opening hours, complaints and Priority Services Register pages, checked against supplier websites.

Standing Charges and Unit Rates Explained

• A bill is a daily standing charge plus a price for each unit you use
• The standing charge is the same whether you use nothing or a lot
• Ofgem caps both numbers separately, not the total bill
• The cap is fourteen regional figures, not one national one
• Both numbers are on your bill and on your annual statement