Save money on your gas and electricity
If you’re struggling to pay for your gas or electricity, or just want to spend less, there are some steps you can take to reduce what you pay.
Cutting the cost
Compare gas and electricity prices
Understanding your energy bill
Getting help
Project Wenceslas
Cutting the cost
Firstly, check if you’re getting the best energy deal; you could save money by changing your tariff or supplier. At the end of a fixed-term, it’s a good idea to check which tariffs and suppliers can offer you a better deal. If you don’t do anything, your current supplier might move you to their ‘standard tariff’ – this is usually more expensive than other available tariffs.
You can use our price comparison service to compare energy prices from all the UK energy suppliers.
Using less energy is another simple way to reduce your bills. You can easily start to use less energy by:
• using your heating controls effectively such as thermostats, radiator valves and timers – you could save over £100 a year by only heating your home and water when you need it
• replacing an old-style lightbulb with an energy-efficient one – you could save £50 over the lifetime of the bulb
• turning off appliances left on standby – you could save around £30 a year
You’ll find it easier to reduce your bills if you keep track of how much energy you’re using. Do this by comparing your energy bills or your annual statement; our tool for understanding your energy bill can help.
You could cut your bills by installing insulation, glazing or a more efficient heating system in your home. However, this will cost money up front. If you’re on a low income you may be eligible for help with these costs.
Your energy supplier might be able to offer you a grant to make improvements, for example through the Energy Company Obligation. This could include insulation or a replacement boiler. What you can get depends on your circumstances and what would help your home. Speak to your supplier to see if they offer a scheme.
Compare gas and electricity prices
Use our online tool to compare gas and electricity prices.
Understanding your energy bill
Energy bills can seem complex and be difficult to understand. Click on the link below to get help understanding your bill. Understanding your bill is important as it will enable you to see how much energy you consume and how much you pay.
Understanding your energy bill
Getting help
You might be able to get £140 off your electricity bill under the Warm Home Discount Scheme if you’re either:
• getting the guarantee credit part of Pension Credit, or
• on a low income
Check with your supplier to see if they offer the Warm Home Discount – not all suppliers are part of the scheme.
If you’re in debt to your energy supplier, you might be able to get a grant from a charitable trust to help pay it off.
The British Gas Energy Trust offers grants and schemes that are open to anyone – you don’t have to be a customer.
There are also companies who offer grants specifically for their customers: Npower Energy Fund, Scottish Power Hardship Fund, Ovo Energy Fund, Eon Energy Fund, EDF Energy Trust, SSE (Southern Electric) Priority Assistance Fund.
Project Wenceslas
The Rotary Club of Ewell are running Project Wenceslas in collaboration with Citizens Advice Epsom and Ewell to help local people meet the cost of their energy bills to ensure they can afford to heat their homes. Contact us for further details.
