For the latest updates visit our Energy Price Rise Help Page

Understanding your gas and electric bills can help you to save money, reduce the risk of falling into debt and make sure you are on the best tariff. Bills can be confusing. Most complaints people make to their energy suppliers are about bills. If you don’t understand your bill, don’t worry you are not alone. Here you will find further information explaining the information on your bill. How to get a better deal on your tariff, how to make a complaint to your energy supplier, Smart meters and the extra support available for customers with additional needs.

Are you on the best tariff with your current supplier?

Could you get a cheaper deal?

Tariffs are the rate you pay for your gas and electricity.

If you have never switched, or haven’t switched in the last year or so, you will be on a default, standard or variable tariff.  These tariffs are the most basic deals offered by an energy supplier and are usually the most expensive way to pay for your energy.  If you are on one of these tariffs, you should look into switching to another type of tariff – it could save you a lot of money!

If you want to stay with your existing supplier, visit their website or give them a call to check if they can offer you a better deal tariff.

Fixed rate tariffs can be a good deal and could protect you from future price rises.  Fixed rate means that the price of the energy will not change for the duration of the contract.  This will help you budget as your supplier can’t suddenly increase what they charge for your energy use.  The contract will be for a set period and if you need to leave it early, you may be charged a fee.  When the contract ends, you must remember to move to another fixed rate tariff otherwise your supplier will move you back to their more expensive standard or variable tariff.

Other ways to pay less with your current supplier:

• Can you pay for your fuel in a different way? The cheapest way to pay your energy bills is often by monthly direct debit.
• Can you move to paperless billing? Instead of sending you a paper bill in the post, your supplier will offer discounts for sending bills to your email address or having online accounts.

How do I find a new tariff or supplier?

If you have access to the internet, checking two or three comparison websites is a good way to get started.  Price comparison websites can help, though always check you are using a Ofgem confidence code website. This will ensure that the process of switching energy supplier is easier, more reliable and reassuring for you.

Money Saving Expert also have the Cheap Energy Club. This is a useful tool that allows you to sign up to check if you’re on the cheapest deal. It will then monitor your tariff and check that you are still on the cheapest tariff and update you if cheaper deals come along.

Once you have found a good deal, there are a number of questions you should ask before switching to a new tariff:

• Do they offer Warm Home Discount?
• Does the supplier have a high rate of complaints? You can check this using the Citizen’s Advice Energy Supplier Performance table
• Is there a charge for switching supplier?

If you would like support with your switching or are worried about owing money to your energy provider you can contact your local energy advisor.

Smart meters

Smart meters are being installed by energy suppliers. Every home in England, Scotland and Wales will be offered the opportunity to upgrade to a smart meter by their energy supplier before the end of the rollout. These will replace the traditional meters in your home.

Smart meters measure how much gas and electricity you’re using, as well as what it’s costing you and display this on a handy in-home display.

For many people, getting a smart meter installed by their energy supplier could make managing energy at home that little bit easier.

To find out more and to access information in different languages and formats, visit Smart Energy GB

Am I entitled to some extra help?