How to Get a Better Deal on Your Home Energy Bill
Published 11th of June 2013·Updated 23 April 2026
Reviewed by: Reviewed for accuracy April 2026
The single most effective way to cut your energy bill is to switch to a cheaper tariff. Ofgem, the energy regulator, estimates that households on a standard variable tariff pay more than those on a fixed deal or who have recently switched. Switching takes around 15 to 20 minutes online and will not disrupt your supply - your gas and electricity continue without interruption during the switch.
Short Summary
Ofgem's price cap limits the unit rates and standing charges energy suppliers can charge on default variable tariffs. But being within the cap does not mean you are getting the best available deal - fixed tariffs from competitive suppliers can still undercut the cap.
Comparison sites accredited by Ofgem, including Uswitch, MoneySuperMarket Energy, and Compare the Market, search across available tariffs using your actual usage figures. Starting there takes five minutes and shows the potential saving before you commit to anything.
Paying by monthly direct debit is usually cheaper than paying quarterly. Suppliers offer a discount - typically 5 to 7 per cent - because monthly payers are considered more reliable and the supplier benefits from any overpayment sitting in your account.
Dual fuel packages (gas and electricity from the same supplier) are worth comparing against separate suppliers. The dual fuel discount is not always the cheapest combined option.
How do I compare energy tariffs?
You need two pieces of information to compare energy tariffs accurately: how much gas and electricity you use in a year (in kWh), and the name of your current tariff. Both appear on your annual energy statement or on your online account dashboard.
Enter this information into an Ofgem-accredited comparison site such as Uswitch or MoneySuperMarket. The site will show you the cheapest available tariffs based on your actual usage and calculate how much you could save by switching. It will also show tariffs from smaller suppliers alongside the large ones.
| Comparison site | Ofgem accredited | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Uswitch | Yes | Widest range of tariffs |
| MoneySuperMarket | Yes | Clear saving estimates |
| Compare the Market | Yes | Shows bundled deals |
| Energy Guide | Yes | Good for dual fuel comparison |
Should I choose a fixed or variable tariff?
A fixed tariff locks your unit rates for a set period - typically one or two years. Your payments stay the same regardless of what happens to the wholesale price of energy. If wholesale prices rise during your fixed period, you benefit. If they fall, you may end up paying slightly more than the prevailing rate.
A standard variable tariff (SVT) fluctuates in line with Ofgem's price cap and the supplier's own pricing decisions. When energy prices are high, an SVT can be expensive. The advantage is flexibility - you can switch away at any time without a penalty.
As a general rule, if a fixed tariff is close to or below the current price cap level, it offers good value because it removes the risk of future increases. If a fixed tariff is significantly above the current cap, it is worth waiting or choosing a shorter fixed term.
Is it worth contacting my current supplier directly?
Yes, particularly when you are not currently in a fixed deal. Call your supplier and tell them you have found a cheaper quote elsewhere. Many suppliers, including British Gas, EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy, and Ovo Energy, will offer retention deals that are not publicly listed on their website. You lose nothing by asking.
If you are in a fixed deal with an exit fee, check whether the saving from switching exceeds the fee before proceeding. Exit fees are typically £30 to £75 per fuel, so £60 to £150 total for a dual fuel customer.
What is the best payment method for energy bills?
Monthly direct debit is almost always the cheapest way to pay for energy. Suppliers typically offer a discount of 5 to 7 per cent compared with quarterly or prepayment billing, because they know the money will arrive reliably. With monthly direct debit you also smooth out the variation between summer and winter bills.
If you overpay across the year - which is common in summer when you use less gas - you are entitled to request a refund of the credit balance at any time. You do not have to wait for your annual review.
How do I switch energy supplier?
Once you have found a better deal on a comparison site, the switch can usually be completed online in under 20 minutes. You will need to provide your current tariff details and a meter reading. The new supplier handles the switch and will notify your old supplier. There is a 14-day cooling-off period during which you can cancel without penalty.
Your supply will not be interrupted at any point. You will receive a final bill from your old supplier, which may show a credit or balance to pay depending on your direct debit level.
Will switching save me money if I rent my property?
Yes. According to Ofgem, tenants who pay their own energy bills are entitled to switch supplier, even if a tenancy agreement suggests otherwise. Your landlord cannot prevent you from switching to a cheaper supplier for energy you pay for yourself. The only exception is if energy is included in your rent as part of an all-inclusive arrangement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I save by switching energy supplier?
The saving varies depending on your current tariff and the deals available at the time you switch. In periods of high wholesale energy prices, the difference between the cheapest fixed deal and a standard variable tariff can be £200 to £400 per year for a typical household. In periods of lower prices, savings are smaller but switching is still worthwhile.
Will switching affect my energy supply?
No. Switching supplier does not interrupt your gas or electricity supply. The same physical pipes and cables deliver your energy regardless of which company bills you. The only thing that changes is the company name at the top of your bill.
How long does it take to switch energy supplier?
Most switches complete within 15 working days from the date you sign up. Some suppliers complete switches faster. You have a 14-day cooling-off period during which you can cancel without any penalty.
What is the Warm Home Discount?
The Warm Home Discount is a one-off reduction of £150 on your electricity bill, available to certain low-income households. Eligibility is based on receiving the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, or meeting other qualifying criteria. Not all suppliers offer the scheme. Check Ofgem's website for the current list of participating suppliers.
Can I switch if I have a prepayment meter?
Yes. You can switch supplier on a prepayment meter, and you can also apply to have your prepayment meter replaced with a standard credit meter if you meet the eligibility criteria. Smart meters, now widely installed across the UK, can operate as either a prepayment or credit meter and can be switched between modes.