How can I reduce my electricity and gas bills quickly?

Start with high-impact changes: turn down your thermostat by 1°C where comfortable, reduce heating schedules, close curtains at dusk, switch off appliances fully (avoid standby), use LED lighting, lower hot water temperature if safe to do so, and run washing at lower temperatures. For longer-term savings, check you’re on the best tariff and consider improving insulation and heating controls.

What home improvements typically save the most energy?

The biggest savings usually come from improving insulation (loft and wall where applicable), upgrading heating controls (programmer, room thermostat, TRVs), reducing drafts, and improving boiler efficiency through regular servicing. If you use electric heating, improving insulation and controls can be especially important.

How can smart meters and smart thermostats help reduce costs?

Smart meters help you see how much energy you use and when, making it easier to spot waste (such as heating on when no one is home). Smart thermostats can optimise schedules, support zoning (where compatible), and help prevent overheating—often reducing consumption without sacrificing comfort.

What’s the best way to cut heating costs without losing comfort?

Heat only the rooms you use, set a steady but sensible target temperature, and use timers so heating isn’t on unnecessarily. Keep radiators clear, bleed them if they have cold spots, and use draft-proofing around doors and windows. Small changes to setpoints and schedules can reduce bills while maintaining comfort.

How do I know if my tariff is right for me?

Your best tariff depends on your household usage pattern and whether you have a smart meter. Review your current unit rates and standing charges, and consider whether a fixed or variable tariff suits your needs. If you can shift usage to off-peak hours and have the right meter, time-of-use options may help.

Where can I get help if I’m struggling to pay my energy bills?

If you’re finding it hard to keep up with payments, contact Energy Plus as soon as possible to discuss support options. You may be able to arrange a payment plan, review your tariff, or get guidance on reducing usage. Visit https://www.energyplus.co.uk/CostSavingAdvice for practical steps to lower consumption.

Energy cost saving advice for UK homes

Get practical, UK-specific ways to reduce your gas and electricity costs — and compare whole-of-market energy tariffs with EnergyPlus to see if you could pay less for the same usage.

Step-by-step bill checks and tariff comparison guidance
Advice for prepayment, smart meters, Economy 7 and direct debit
Home efficiency tips that can cut usage without major disruption
Help understanding standing charges, unit rates and contract terms

Check tariffs & get personalised help Jump to cost-saving tips

UK households only. Switching availability depends on supplier coverage and eligibility. You can submit your details to request comparison support.

Get personalised energy cost saving advice (and compare tariffs)

If your bills have risen, it usually comes down to a mix of unit rates, standing charges and how/when you use energy. EnergyPlus helps UK households compare energy tariffs across the market and understand what changes could make the biggest difference.

Use the form to request support. We’ll use your details to guide you on next steps, such as whether a fixed deal may be suitable, whether a variable tariff makes sense for your circumstances, and what information to check on your bill before switching.

Tip: Have a recent bill or online account handy. If you don’t, your postcode and best contact details are still enough for us to point you in the right direction.

Whole-of-market approach: We focus on giving you clear, practical advice and comparison guidance. Your best option depends on your tariff type, payment method, property and how you use energy.

Why your energy costs may have increased

Energy bills in the UK can change even when your household routine feels the same. Understanding the drivers makes it easier to target the savings that matter most.

Unit rate changes

Your pence per kWh is the biggest factor. If your fixed term ended, you may have moved to a variable tariff with a different rate.

Standing charges

You pay these daily even if you use no energy. A lower unit rate can be offset by a higher standing charge (and vice versa).

Usage & seasonal demand

Heating and hot water drive winter costs. Small changes (thermostat, heating schedule, drafts) can produce noticeable savings.

Payment method differences

Direct Debit, cash/cheque and prepayment meters can have different prices. If you’ve changed meter type or payment method, your rates may have changed too.

Estimated readings

If a bill is based on an estimate, your account can drift. Submitting a reading (or using a smart meter) helps keep charges accurate and avoids surprise catch-up bills.

Quick energy saving tips for UK homes

These actions are designed to be practical. Start with the items that match your home and lifestyle, then compare tariffs once your meter readings and usage picture are up to date.

Check your tariff end date and payment method
If a fixed deal has ended, you may be on a variable rate. Confirm whether you’re paying by Direct Debit or prepayment and whether that matches your current circumstances.
Submit up-to-date meter readings
Accurate readings reduce the risk of estimates and help you compare like-for-like. If you have a smart meter, confirm it’s sending readings correctly.
Fine-tune heating controls
Use a schedule that matches occupancy. If you have thermostatic radiator valves, lower unused rooms rather than overheating the whole home.
Tackle drafts and heat loss first
Seal gaps around doors and windows and use thick curtains where appropriate. Low-cost draft proofing can improve comfort quickly.
Reduce hot water waste
Shorter showers, fixing dripping hot taps, and insulating hot water pipes/cylinders (where safe) can cut gas or electricity use.
Shift usage if you’re on Economy 7 / time-of-use
If you have off-peak rates, running appliances (like washing machines) during cheaper hours may help. Make sure the tariff still suits your usage pattern.

Want tailored tips? Use the comparison form and we’ll help you prioritise the steps most likely to reduce your bill.

How to read your energy bill (what to check before switching)

Before comparing, it helps to know which numbers actually affect what you pay. This makes it easier to spot whether a new deal is genuinely better for your household.

Bill item	What it means	Why it matters for savings
Unit rate (p/kWh)	The price you pay for each unit of energy used.	Small differences can add up, especially for electric heating or high-usage households.
Standing charge (p/day)	A daily fixed cost for being connected to the network.	Can be a big part of the bill for lower-usage homes. Compare both standing charge and unit rate.
Tariff name & end date	Whether you’re on fixed/variable and when the fixed term ends.	If you’re out of contract, you can usually switch more freely; if not, an exit fee may apply.
Meter type	Standard, smart, prepayment, Economy 7, or other multi-rate.	Your meter affects which tariffs are suitable and whether time-of-use pricing could help.
Billing basis	Whether readings are actual or estimated.	Accurate readings help prevent catch-up bills and ensure tariff comparisons are meaningful.

Plain-English check: A “cheaper” tariff isn’t always cheaper if it has a much higher standing charge, or if your usage happens mostly at peak times on a time-of-use plan.

UK energy tariffs explained (so you can pick confidently)

Choosing a tariff is not just about the headline price. It’s also about flexibility, risk and how well the pricing matches the way your home uses energy.

Fixed tariff

Your unit rate and standing charge stay the same for a set period. Useful if you want predictability, though exit fees may apply.

Variable tariff

Prices can change. Typically offers flexibility to leave without a fee, but your costs may rise if rates increase.

Time-of-use / Economy 7

Cheaper off-peak rates at certain times. Can work well for storage heating or shifting usage, but can cost more if most use is peak-time.

Prepayment meters

Prepay can help with budgeting, but pricing can differ from Direct Debit tariffs. If you’re prepay, comparisons must match your meter type and top-up method.

Dual fuel vs single fuel

Sometimes combining gas and electricity can be simpler, but it’s not always cheaper. Compare the total cost rather than assuming “dual fuel” saves money.

Not sure what you’re on? Submit the form at Compare & get help and we’ll guide you on what to look for on your current bill and what to compare next.

Common energy saving mistakes (and what to do instead)

Only comparing the unit rate

A tariff with a low unit rate can still be expensive if the standing charge is high. Compare the overall annual cost estimate for your usage pattern.

Switching based on old/estimated readings

If usage is wrong, comparisons can be misleading. Update readings first, then compare based on realistic consumption.

Picking Economy 7 without shifting usage

Time-of-use tariffs reward off-peak use. If most electricity is used during the day/evening, it may increase costs.

Overheating the home to “avoid damp”

Ventilation matters. Use controlled heating and ventilation rather than keeping the home excessively warm all day.

Energy cost saving advice: FAQs

Can I switch energy supplier if I’m in debt?

Sometimes. It depends on your supplier, your meter type (especially prepayment), and the size/type of debt. We can help you understand your options when you request comparison support.

Will switching interrupt my gas or electricity?

A standard supplier switch is designed to be seamless, with no physical disruption to supply. Your meter stays in place unless you request a meter change separately.

Is it worth fixing if I’m renting?

Yes. Many of the quickest savings (draft proofing, heating schedules, LED bulbs, hot water habits) don’t require major alterations. If you pay the bills, comparing tariffs can still make a difference.

How do I know if my Direct Debit is too high?

Check whether it’s building up credit over time or covering an earlier shortfall. Comparing tariffs should be paired with accurate readings so your payment matches your real usage.

What information do you need to compare?

A postcode and contact details are enough to start. If you have it, your tariff name, payment method, and recent kWh usage make comparisons more accurate.

Do smart meters automatically reduce bills?

Not automatically. They can help by making usage visible and keeping billing accurate. Savings usually come from changing habits or optimising your tariff once you understand your consumption.

If you’re unsure which advice applies to your household, go to Compare & get help and we’ll guide you through the next best step.

Trusted help for UK households

When you’re trying to reduce home energy costs, clarity matters. Here are examples of what people typically value when using a comparison-led advice service.

“The checklist helped me understand my bill properly — I’d been focusing on the wrong number. Switching was straightforward after that.”

Homeowner, Greater Manchester

“I didn’t realise the standing charge made such a difference for us. Comparing total costs made it clear which tariff suited our usage.”

Tenant, West Midlands

“We updated our readings, adjusted the heating schedule and then compared deals. It felt like a plan rather than guesswork.”

Household, East Sussex

What you can expect: plain-English guidance, tariff comparisons based on your situation, and a clear next step — whether that’s switching, adjusting usage, or checking your account details first.

Ready to cut your home energy costs?

Submit your details for energy cost saving advice and whole-of-market comparison support. We’ll help you identify what to check, what to change, and which tariff types may suit your household.

Guidance for fixed, variable, Economy 7 and prepayment
Bill-reading checklist: unit rate vs standing charge
Practical home tips to reduce usage

Get started

Use the form above to request help, or jump back to the comparison section.

Go to the advice form Review quick tips

For UK homes only. Always check tariff terms, prices and any exit fees before switching.

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Updated on 16 Feb 2026