Energy
Energy & utilities guides
Understand tariffs, switching, the price cap and how your bills work — in plain English so you can decide with confidence.
What do you need to work out?
Pick the closest match. Each path leads to a curated cluster of guides.
I want to switch supplier
When, how, what to check before you go.
4 guides →I don't understand my bill
Reading bills, the price cap, what charges mean.
11 guides →I'm struggling to pay
Hardship funds, grants, repayment plans, your rights.
3 guides →I'm thinking longer term
Heat pumps, solar, EVs, smart meters, EPCs.
3 guides →Editor’s picks
See all 23 guides →Core Guide
11 guidesDeep Dive
3 guidesThe full library
Showing 11 guides of 23Core Guide
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.
Core GuideThe price cap, explained
How Ofgem builds the cap, what it limits and what it does not, and why it changes every three months.
Core GuideWhat 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.