Energy savings for UK homes — compare deals whole-of-market
Use EnergyPlus to compare electricity and gas tariffs across the UK and find practical ways to reduce your home energy bills. Complete the form to see savings options matched to your household.
- Compare whole-of-market home energy tariffs in one place
- Switching guidance for fixed, variable and tracker tariffs
- Personalised tips to cut usage without sacrificing comfort
- UK-focused advice including smart meters and payment types
Home energy only (not business). Switching depends on eligibility, supplier availability and your current tariff terms.
See your home energy savings options
Energy bills can feel unpredictable, but most households have a few controllable levers: the tariff you’re on, how you pay, and how efficiently your home uses energy. Our UK comparison service helps you explore whole-of-market tariffs and identify realistic ways to reduce costs.
Before you start (2 quick checks)
- Current tariff type: fixed deals can have exit fees; variable/tracker usually don’t (check your contract).
- How you pay: Direct Debit vs pay-on-receipt/prepayment can affect unit rates and standing charges.
Prefer to read first? Jump to how switching works or explore energy saving tips for UK homes.
Why households use EnergyPlus for energy savings
Whole-of-market comparison
See available UK home energy tariffs in one view, so you can compare unit rates, standing charges, tariff length and key terms clearly.
Switch with fewer surprises
We highlight common gotchas such as exit fees, estimated usage assumptions, and payment method differences that affect your annual cost.
Savings beyond switching
Get practical ways to reduce consumption—heating controls, draught-proofing, appliance settings and smart meter habits tailored to UK homes.
Works for renters & homeowners
Whether you’re renting a flat or own a house, you can often save by changing tariff and improving day-to-day usage.
Support for prepay
If you have a prepayment meter, we help you understand switching routes, smart prepay options and what may be required first.
UK-specific guidance
From regional network differences to typical billing cycles, our advice is focused on how home energy works across England, Scotland and Wales.
How energy savings work in the UK (and how to switch)
Most UK households can reduce energy costs in two ways: lower your tariff price and use fewer kWh. Switching supplier can reduce unit rates and standing charges, while home efficiency measures can reduce your overall consumption—especially for heating.
Step 1: Gather the basics
Find your current supplier, tariff name, and whether you pay by Direct Debit, pay-on-receipt, or prepay. If you have recent bills, note your usage in kWh for the most accurate comparisons.
Step 2: Compare like-for-like
When you compare tariffs, look at unit rate, standing charge, contract length, and any exit fees. A cheaper unit rate isn’t always best if standing charges are higher for your usage pattern.
Step 3: Apply and keep an eye on timings
Most switches are designed to be straightforward. Your supply doesn’t stop. Take meter readings around the switch date to help ensure your final and opening bills are accurate.
Step 4: Lock in ongoing savings
After switching, review your Direct Debit level after a couple of bills, and set a reminder to compare again before any fixed term ends.
Quick glossary: the 3 numbers that matter
| Term | What it means | Why it affects savings |
|---|---|---|
| Unit rate (p/kWh) | What you pay for each kilowatt-hour you use. | Higher usage homes tend to benefit more from a lower unit rate. |
| Standing charge (p/day) | A daily cost to cover network and service charges. | Low usage homes should watch standing charges closely. |
| Estimated annual cost | A projection based on typical or provided usage and your region. | Useful for comparing, but best improved with your real kWh from bills. |
Tip: If you’ve recently moved, your “deemed” tariff may be more expensive than alternatives. Comparing early can help you avoid overpaying.
Practical energy saving tips for UK homes
Tariffs matter, but how you heat and power your home can make an even bigger difference over time. Use these UK-relevant actions to reduce consumption—starting with the biggest driver for most households: space heating.
Heating & hot water (highest impact)
- Use heating controls: set schedules around when you’re home; avoid heating empty rooms for hours.
- Target room temperature: small reductions can help; focus on comfort and health needs.
- Draught-proof: doors, letterboxes and gaps reduce heat loss, especially in older properties.
- Radiator efficiency: bleed radiators if needed; don’t block them with furniture.
- Hot water: short showers typically use less energy than long baths; fix dripping hot taps.
Electricity use (quick wins)
- Standby: switch off unused devices at the wall where practical (TV boxes, chargers).
- Washing: lower wash temperatures and run full loads; air-dry when you can.
- Tumble dryer: clean lint filters and use sensor settings to avoid over-drying.
- Cooking: use pan lids, match pan size to hob ring, and batch-cook to reduce oven time.
- Lighting: LED bulbs are a straightforward upgrade across most fittings.
If you have a smart meter
Use the in-home display to spot spikes (electric heaters, older tumble dryers, immersion heaters). Small behaviour changes—especially at peak use times—can add up across a year.
Common mistakes that reduce energy savings
Comparing without your real usage
Estimated annual costs can be improved by using your bill’s kWh. If your home differs from “typical” usage, the best tariff for you may change.
Ignoring standing charges
Low-use households (e.g. small flats, single occupants) can overpay if standing charges are high—even with a low unit rate.
Forgetting exit fees
Fixed tariffs may include exit fees. A “cheaper” tariff might not save money if fees outweigh the difference.
Not submitting meter readings
Estimated bills can hide overspend. Submitting readings (or using a smart meter) helps keep bills accurate—especially during a switch.
Overheating rooms
If your home has uneven heating, address balancing or draughts first. Heating the whole house more to fix one cold room can be costly.
Leaving savings too late
Many households only compare when bills rise. Setting a reminder to review deals ahead of winter can prevent unnecessary overspend.
Energy savings FAQs (UK)
Will switching energy supplier interrupt my supply?
No—your gas and electricity supply stays on. The change is mainly administrative, with meter readings used to produce final and opening bills.
Is it worth switching if I’m on a fixed tariff?
It can be, but check whether your current fixed deal has an exit fee and when your fixed term ends. A comparison using your usage can show whether switching now is worthwhile.
How do I estimate my usage if I don’t have bills?
Start with what you know: property type, number of occupants, and heating type. If you can, find your meter serial number and take readings now—over time you’ll build a clearer picture. For the most accurate comparison, use kWh from at least one recent bill.
Can I switch with a prepayment meter?
Often yes, though availability can vary. Some households may need to meet certain criteria or move to smart prepay. If you’re unsure, use the form above and we’ll show options relevant to your setup.
What’s the difference between saving energy and saving money?
Saving energy means reducing kWh used (often through heating controls, insulation and efficient appliances). Saving money can come from using fewer kWh, paying a lower price per kWh, or both.
Do regional differences affect energy prices?
Yes. Standing charges and unit rates can vary by region due to network costs and other factors. That’s why a postcode-based comparison is important for accurate savings estimates.
What UK households say
“The comparison was clearer than my supplier’s own renewal. I could see the standing charge and unit rate side-by-side.”
“Useful tips on cutting usage. We adjusted the heating schedule and tracked it on the smart meter.”
“I didn’t realise how much standing charges mattered for our flat. Switching made the bills more predictable.”
Trust signals that matter
- Clear breakdown of unit rates and standing charges
- UK-focused guidance for payment methods and meter types
- No disruption to supply when switching supplier
Ready to reduce your home energy bills?
Compare whole-of-market UK tariffs and get practical savings ideas matched to your household. Start with your postcode.
- See tariffs available in your area
- Understand costs: unit rate, standing charge and projected annual cost
- Switching support for common home setups
Home energy only. Availability and savings vary by postcode and usage.
Back to Energy Comparison