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Energy

Energy & utilities guides

Understand tariffs, switching, the price cap and how your bills work — in plain English so you can decide with confidence.

23 guides·4 topics

Start here

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
Updated 21 May 2026

What do you need to work out?

Pick the closest match. Each path leads to a curated cluster of guides.

I

I want to switch supplier

When, how, what to check before you go.

4 guides →
I

I don't understand my bill

Reading bills, the price cap, what charges mean.

11 guides →
I

I'm struggling to pay

Hardship funds, grants, repayment plans, your rights.

3 guides →
I

I'm thinking longer term

Heat pumps, solar, EVs, smart meters, EPCs.

3 guides →

Editor’s picks

See all 23 guides →
Key Guide

Understanding Your Energy Bill

Updated 2 Oct 2026
Key Guide

Fixed and variable energy tariffs

Updated 2 Oct 2026
Key Guide

Understanding Smart Meters

Updated 21 May 2026

Core Guide

11 guides

Renewable Energy for Your Home

Updated 21 May 2026

EV Charging at Home Explained

Updated 16 Jul 2026

Energy Saving Tips for Your Home

Updated 21 May 2026

Solar Panels Explained

Updated 21 May 2026

Deep Dive

3 guides

District Heating Explained

Updated 25 Jun 2026

How Energy Markets Actually Work

Updated 21 May 2026

Out-of-Contract Rates Explained

Updated 25 Jun 2026

Support & Rights

3 guides

Energy Supply for Park Homes Explained

Updated 21 May 2026

Home Energy Grants & Support Explained

Updated 21 May 2026

Priority Services Register Explained

Updated 21 May 2026

The full library

Showing 3 guides of 23
Deep Dive

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
Updated 25 Jun 2026
Deep Dive

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
Updated 21 May 2026
Deep Dive

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.

Updated 25 Jun 2026
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Switch4Good Limited (FRN 1050820), company number 17000412. Registered office: First Floor, 5 High Street, Westbury-On-Trym, Bristol, BS9 3BY. Switch4Good Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Innovative Risk Labs Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under FRN 609155.

Switch4Good is a commercial business and not a charity. We receive commission from certain service providers when supporters switch through the platform. At least 50% of eligible commission is allocated either directly to a chosen cause or to the Switch4Good Community Fund. Paid quarterly in arrears, around 90 days after the month a switch completes, once supplier clawback periods have passed. FCA-regulated services (such as insurance) route through the Community Fund rather than directly to a named cause.

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