Energy guides

If you're looking for assistance in comparing energy, switching energy or any energy problem, our energy guides are here to help.

Energy bills

Managing energy bills is key for customers - find the answers to your questions here.

Air fryer running costs: are they cheaper than ovens?Can you save money as well as enjoy healthier, tastier meals with an air fryer? Discover h ..
Are electric blankets expensive to run?Can you really save money using electric blankets over central heating? Find out the costs ..
Average gas and electricity bills in the UK
Average gas and electricity bills in the UKWhat does the average UK gas and electricity bill look like? See how your energy usage and ..
How to prepare for a price cap update
How to prepare for a price cap updateWith the price cap due to be updated on four times a year, Uswitch has released a checklis ..
What are energy standing charges
Gas and electricity standing chargesWhat is a standing charge for gas and electricity? All energy tariffs offered have a daily ..
woman reading bills
OVO Energy bills explainedHaving trouble understanding your OVO bill? Use Uswitch's helpful energy bill breakdown to ..
Energy refund
Getting a refund from your energy supplierDoes your current or previous energy supplier owe you money? Find out how to get it back w ..
man reading bill
How do I read my British Gas bill?No need to be confused by your British Gas energy bill. We break down an example bill to h ..
Electricity bill
How to understand gas and electricity utility billsDiscovering what a utility bill includes will help you understand how, why and what you ha ..
Energy back billing
Energy back billing errorsUnderstand how to deal with energy supplier back billing. Discover your rights as a consum ..
Energy meter
Energy consumption: how much energy do I use?Discover how to calculate your monthly energy usage. Work out how much gas and electricity ..
What to do if you’re in debt to your energy supplier
What to do if you're in debt to your energy supplierAre you in energy debt? Find out what help is available if you owe money to your energy su ..
Smart thermostat on wall of living room with chairs
What is the ideal room temperature for my home?Discover what your home’s ideal room temperature should be and how to set up your heating ..
Person reading bill
E.ON Next energy bill explainedWe break down a sample statement to help you read your E.ON Next energy bill and cut throu ..
woman reading her bill
EDF Energy energy bill explainedHaving trouble understanding your EDF bill? We’ve got a helpful energy bill breakdown with ..
Feed-in Tariff: get paid for generating green energyThe Feed-in Tariff: earn money from generating green energy. Find out how the solar panel ..
woman and daughter at home energy heating
Understanding energy personal projectionsLearn how energy personal projections are calculated and their significance in your Uswitc ..
couple reading their bills
ScottishPower energy bill explainedHaving trouble understanding your ScottishPower bill? Read our helpful energy bill breakdo ..
Woman reading bill with laptop
Octopus Energy bill explainedEnergy bills can be confusing, but they're not as scary as they look - find out how to rea ..
Reading bill
Frequently asked energy bill questionsConfused by your energy bill? Confused by your electricity bill? You’re not alone. Read th ..
Direct Debit
Paying for energy via Direct DebitLooking for different ways to save on your household energy bill? One of the cheapest ways ..
a pound coin resting on a five pound note
How to pay by cash or cheque for your energy billAre you paying more than you should for your energy bills because you are paying by cash o ..

Energy discounts and help

Various discounts and help are available to energy customers, both through industry organisations and individual suppliers. See what might be available to you here.

Energy help schemes
How to find out if you’re eligible for an energy help scheme, grant or benefitFind out if you're eligible for energy help schemes or benefits using our interactive tool.
Ofgem logo
Ofgem: the energy regulatorFind out how Ofgem works with both energy suppliers and consumers. Discover how the UK ene ..
Priority Services Register for vulnerable energy customers
Priority Services Register for vulnerable energy customersVulnerable energy customers such as the elderly and disabled can register for special serv ..
Winter Fuel Payment
Winter Fuel PaymentFind out everything you need to know about the government's Winter Fuel Payment s, who is ..
Man paying his energy bill at home
Protect yourself: how to spot and avoid energy scamsEnergy scams are on the rise amid the ongoing cost of living crisis. How do you spot and a ..
Warm Home Discount
Warm Home Discount Scheme 2024-25: Eligibility, Savings, and ApplicationLearn about the Warm Home Discount scheme for 2024-25, a government-funded programme to he ..
Smart meter in-home display
How does the Demand Flexibility Service work?The National Grid's Demand Flexibility Service promises to pay customers for energy they d ..
Energy Company Obligation Scheme
What is the Energy Company Obligation?Could you benefit from the Energy Company Obligation? Find out what it is and if you are e ..
Feed-in Tariff: get paid for generating green energyThe Feed-in Tariff: earn money from generating green energy. Find out how the solar panel ..
man looking at his energy bill
Understanding your energy consumer rightsDiscover your rights as an energy consumer, learn about price increases, mis-selling, comp ..
Power cut candles
Find out how to claim power cut compensationExperienced a power cut? Learn how to claim compensation for electricity and gas outages. ..
Man with fuse box during power cut
Power cuts: what to expect and how to handle themPower cuts and blackouts are never enjoyable, whether they're expected or unexpected. Find ..
Get help paying your energy bills
Get help paying your energy billsGet help paying your energy bills. There are options for those struggling - find out if yo ..
Cold Weather Payments
Cold Weather Payments: Find out if you’re eligible & how to claimAre you eligible for a Cold Weather Payment this year? Find out if you could claim £25 for ..
Burnt plug
Electrical home safety tipsMake sure you're using electricity and electrical appliances safely with our guide. From w ..
Informal carers and energy bills
Informal carers and energy billsAn estimated 4.9 million people in the UK act as informal carers. Many informal carers liv ..
Support for energy customers with hearing loss
Support for energy customers with hearing lossMany energy suppliers are taking steps to improve communication for customers with hearing ..
Energy bill
Support for energy customers with sight lossFrom the Priority Services Register to tailored support, many energy suppliers are taking ..
A brown-skinned woman with an Afro wears a bright orange shirt and matching earrings and stands in from of a plan green background. She has a phone in one hand and her other hand is pointing to her mouth with an inquisitive look on her face to denote confusion
Gas and electricity: a guide to household energy billsA complete guide to energy in the UK, how energy bills are calculated, what dual fuel is and more.

Energy meters

Get to grips with the different types of gas and electricity meter here.

What is a prepayment meter
Prepayment meters and pay as you go energyMillions of households across the UK have prepayment or pay as you go energy meters. If yo ..
How to prepare for a price cap update
How to prepare for a price cap updateWith the price cap due to be updated on four times a year, Uswitch has released a checklis ..
Switch from prepayment to credit meter
Changing from a prepayment meter to a credit meterLooking to switch from a prepayment meter to a credit meter? We explain who can switch and ..
Economy 7
What is Economy 7?Find out everything you need to know about Economy 7 meters and tariffs, including how to ..
Economy 10
What is Economy 10?Economy 10 tariffs means you pay a cheaper rate for your electricity during the off-peak t ..
MPANs and MPRNs: What are they and how can you find them?Discover how to find out your MPAN, MPRN and meter serial numbers to allow you to switch e ..
How to read your energy meters
How to read your gas and electricity metersFind out how to take meter readings from any type of gas or electricity meter in this Uswi ..
Light bulbs
White meters explainedMoved into a property with a white meter? Find out what a white meter is and how it works here.
How to move your gas or electricity meter
How to move your gas or electricity meterYou might not know how to move your gas or electricity meter, but if you're having buildin ..

Energy prices

Whether they're relatively stable or fairly volatile, energy prices are worth keeping an eye on. Find out more here.

What is the energy price cap
What is Ofgem's energy price cap 2025?Information on the energy price cap set by Ofgem at a level of £1,738 for standard variabl ..
Uswitch’s guide to gas and electricity prices per kWh
Gas and electric costs: understanding kWhWhat is the gas and electricity cost per kwh in the UK? To understand what a kWh costs, yo ..
Gas and electricity price changes 2024
Discover why 2025 energy price changes affect energy billsFind out which suppliers have increased or decreased their energy prices and how that affe ..
Octopus Energy Logo
Octopus Energy price changes in 2025Stay informed about Octopus energy price changes in 2025. Learn about the latest updates, ..
Asian man are tired and stressed about working on a laptop and taking notes at home.
Avoid energy overcharging: tips to save on gas and electricity billsLearn how to prevent overcharging by your energy supplier with our easy guide. Check your ..
image of a fracking plant
Fracking in the UK - what is it and is it dangerous?Get the facts about fracking in the UK. Learn about the risks of UK fracking with our user ..
Underfloor heating
Underfloor heating: the ultimate guideExpert advice and all you need to know about underfloor heating systems including the diff ..
What is the energy price cap
What is Ofgem's energy price cap 2024?Information on the energy price cap set by Ofgem at a level of £1,568 for standard variabl ..
Heating oil tank
How to compare and switch heating oilFind out everything you need to know about heating oil, including how heating your home wi ..
EDF logo
EDF price changes in 2024Will energy bills from EDF rise in 2024? Discover the latest EDF energy price changes in o ..
ScottishPower
ScottishPower price changes in 2024Find out how you could be affected by ScottishPower price changes in 2024 and find out how ..

Energy suppliers

Questions about your supplier? Find the answers here.

An offshore wind farm
Understanding your domestic energy supplier's fuel mixExplore the breakdown of electricity generation sources used by your energy supplier, incl ..
Canary Wharf
Which energy suppliers are British-owned?Explore the roots of the big six energy suppliers in the UK and find out which companies a ..
Man on power station
Big six energy suppliersDiscover who the big six energy suppliers in the UK are and why they are important to hous ..
What if my energy supplier goes bust
What happens if my energy supplier goes bust?What happens if your energy supplier goes bust and out of business? In this scenario there ..
Young woman sitting on the floor at home checking her phone
How to contact your energy supplierStruggling to find your energy supplier's contact details? Our guide makes it easy to reac ..
Worried woman reading on smartphone bad news sitting on a couch at home
How to make a complaint about your energy supplierWant to make a complaint about your energy supplier? Uswitch's guide to energy complaints ..

Energy switching

Confused about the process of energy switching? See what's involved and what information you might need here.

Comparing energy prices by region
Energy prices by region in 2025Did you know your postcode determines your energy bills? Find out which areas in the UK ar ..
Energy switching myths busted
Energy switching myths bustedThink switching energy will mean you’ll get charged twice or temporarily lose power in you ..
Moving house gas and electricity guide
Switching energy when moving houseSet up a new gas and electricity supply when you move to ensure you're on the best energy ..
Tenants’ guide to switching energy supplier
Tenants’ guide to switching energy and electricity supplierDiscover if you can or cannot compare and switch energy providers without your landlord’s ..
How to switch energy supplier
How to switch energy supplier for a cheaper dealLooking for a cheaper gas or electricity supplier but not sure where to start? Check out o ..
What if your energy switch can't go ahead?
Rejected energy switch issues and how to fix themA rejected energy switch can sometimes occur even when it looks like everything's gone thr ..
How to get energy bill credit back when you switch energy supplierDiscover if you have energy bill credit from your current gas and electricity supplier. Un ..
Energy Switch Guarantee
Energy Switch Guarantee: Hassle-free energy supplier switchingSwitch your energy supplier confidently with Energy UK's Energy Switch Guarantee and its 1 ..
When is the best time to switch my energy deal
When is the best time to switch my energy deal?You probably know it's a good idea to switch your energy, but do you know when is the best ..
Family looking at their low carbon solar panels
Can I switch energy supplier if I have solar panels?Find out if having solar panels will make it more difficult for you to switch energy supplier.
woman on the phone to her provider
Notifying your supplier of an energy switchWhen you switch energy supplier through a comparison site like Uswitch, you don't need to ..
Where does energy supply come from
Where does my household electricity and gas come from?Energy is generated in a number of ways. Discover where, what and how your home energy is ..
Collective siwtching
Collective energy switching scheme: how it worksDiscover how the collective energy switching scheme works and why the consumer has the pow ..

Energy tariffs

Energy tariffs are the deals you might sign up to when you switch - see what they entail here.

My fixed energy tariff is ending - what should I do
My fixed energy tariff is ending - what should I do?Knowing when your energy tariff is ending will help you save - don't get rolled onto a mor ..
What is a standard variable tariff
Standard variable rate tariffsWhat makes an energy plan 'standard variable rate' or 'standard rate'? Find out why this o ..
Types of energy tariff
What are the different types of energy tariff?Do you wonder why there are so many different energy tariffs for domestic gas and electric ..
Fixed price energy
How do fixed price energy tariffs workFixed price energy tariffs or fixed rate plans are a popular type of gas and electricity t ..
What is a tracker tariff?Tracker tariffs are becoming more common, but should you sign up to one? Find out what a t ..
Should I get a no standing charge tariff?
Should I get a no standing charge tariff?No standing charge energy tariffs look like attractive options, but are they the right opt ..
Gas pipeline
What are Independent Gas Transporters (IGTs)?Find out what an Independent Gas Transporter is, how you can tell if you are on IGT gas an ..
a lit gas hob
How does switching energy supplier affect my Feed-In tariff?If you have solar panels and a Feed-In tariff, find out how you can switch energy suppliers.

Smart energy

Smart energy is the future - how can you get on board? Find out here.

What are smart meters and should I get one
What is a smart meter and is it a good idea to get one?Smart meters offer a free way to keep track of your energy usage and could mean the end of ..
Man using smart thermostat
The ultimate guide to smart thermostatsDiscover all you need to know about getting a smart thermostat - find out how a new smart ..
smart meter in home display
When will my energy supplier install my smart meter?All suppliers will have offered their customers smart meters for gas and electric by June ..

Energy studies

Read our latest energy studies.

image of a couple unloading a dishwasher with the title 'Uswitch power house report'
Which appliances use the most energy?With energy prices still high, there are limited options for both saving money and limitin ..
104 energy saving tips for the home header
104 energy saving tips for your homeWith working from home the new normal and energy prices high, it's important to keep your ..
A woman discovers mould next to kitchen cabinets.
Mouldy nation reportFor this report, Uswitch looks at the prevalence of mould across the UK and offers tips an ..
Feature image showing a wind turbine with the text '50+ UK Energy Saving Statistics 2024'.
50+ UK energy-saving statistics 2024Discover the latest energy-saving statistics for 2024, including data on the UK’s energy e ..
Feature image showing an image of a lightbulb alongside the title '100+ UK Energy Statistics 2024
100+ UK energy statistics 2024What is the average energy bill in the UK? We’ve collated facts and stats from average ene ..
Banner graphic with the title "UK smart meter statistics 2024" and a picture of a smart meter
UK smart meter statistics 2024We’ve compiled over 100 smart meter statistics, including the number of smart meters insta ..
Feature image with the title business energy statistics 2024 and a picture of commercial lighting
UK business energy statistics 2024We’ve collated business energy statistics for 2024, covering the UK energy market, busines ..
Banner image with the title 'UK renewable energy statistics 2024
UK renewable energy statistics 2024We’ve collated the latest renewable energy statistics for 2024, covering the production, c ..
Green Council Report - Image module
Green Council Report: Are county councils taking sustainable steps?With the UK’s net zero emissions target date set for 2050, green energy comparison site Us ..
The world’s most picturesque urban green spaces - Image module
The cities with the most beautiful green spacesDiscover where in the world you can find the most beautiful parks and gardens to relax and unwind in
The World’s Most Popular B Corp Businesses- Image module
The world’s most popular B Corp businessesBy analysing B Corp data, the green energy experts at Uswitch have revealed the most popul ..
Image of a luxury hotel on an island
The cities with the most sustainable hotels revealed The energy experts at Uswitch reveal the cities around the globe with the most sustainabl ..
The countries most affected by global warming, based on natural disasters
The countries most affected by global warming, based on natural disastersGlobal warming has intensified natural disasters in recent years, including earthquakes, s ..
Which European meals have the largest carbon footprint header
Which European meals have the largest carbon footprint?Food plays a major role in climate change, so we found which dishes were the worst culprit ..
The songs that have caused the most carbon emissions header
The songs that have caused the most carbon emissionsUswitch reveals which most popular songs are least environmentally friendly causing the hi ..
Eco friendly toiletries and cosmetics
Eco Trends Report: Top trending eco hacks & products on TikTokDiscover TikTok’s top trending eco-friendly brands, products, and helpful hacks and reduce ..
Uswitch - Energy - Which European city uses the most energy to light up for Christmas?
Which European city uses the most energy to light up for Christmas?Christmas is an expensive time of year, especially when it comes to switching on the Chris ..
Wine and Christmas
Celebrity Christmas recipes: whose recipe costs the most time and money?Discover the time and costs of the most popular celebrity chefs Christmas dinner recipes, ..
A header image, showing an electric pump and standard petrol pump next to each other, with a title introducing the topic.
Europe's fastest growing electric car marketsDiscover Europe's fastest growing electric car markets in this article by the team at Uswitch.
Oranges in box in front of trucks.
Revealed: The carbon footprint of trending food and drinkDiscover the carbon footprint of the top trending food and drink items to help you reduce ..
European capital with the most unpredictable weather feature
The European capital with the most unpredictable weatherWith many people looking to go abroad for a sunny break, Uswitch reveals which European ca ..
Header image of low-maintenance plants and how to care for them
Low-maintenance plants and how to care for themGardening data reveals the plants that require the least amount of maintenance.
Ethical beauty brands header
Ethical Beauty Brands Influence ReportAnalysing 45 of the most popular UK make-up brands, we reveal which are the most sustainab ..
Vegan value: The most affordable vegan supermarket ranges header.
Battle of the Brands: best supermarket own-brand vegan ranges rankedUswitch has analysed the own-brand vegan ranges from eight different supermarkets to revea ..
The global green building leaders: Which countries are leading the way?With the construction industry accounting for huge proportions of global energy usage, Usw ..
Tree lined roads leading to a city.
The world’s most sustainable citiesFrom green space through to public transport, air quality and energy sources, we look at t ..
The Pump to Plug Report header
The Pump to Plug ReportThese places are geared up and ready to embrace electric vehicles
Painted Easter eggs
The Eco-Egg Report: the most sustainable Easter eggs revealed in new studyUswitch reveals the he most sustainable Easter eggs UK shoppers can buy in new study.
Regal rides - header
Green garages: How eco-friendly are the cars of the rich and famous?Taking 50 cars of the world’s richest people, we analysed their CO2 emissions to reveal wh ..
Keyboard with 'zero emission' written on the enter key in blue
Carbon Emissions of the Web’s Most Popular SitesDiscover which websites are the ‘dirtiest’ when it comes to carbon emissions per visit as ..
Elsa from Disney's Frozen in nature
Disney villains vs. princesses: Who's the most eco-friendly of them all?Mirror, mirror, on the wall - who is the most eco-friendly of them all? Uswitch analyses t ..

Energy efficiency

Read our latest energy efficiency guides

Woman's hands on radiator
Should I heat the whole house or just the room I'm using?Wondering if it's cheaper and more energy efficient to heat your whole house or just one r ..
Woman at computer desk
How much electricity does a TV use?Does your TV guzzle power? Find out how to use your TV in the most energy-efficient way wi ..
Solar panelsHouseholds looking to be greener when it comes to their electricity can compare solar pane ..
Electric car charging station around Crouch End area on London street
How much do electric cars add to my energy bill?How much does it cost to charge an electric car in the UK? How long does it take to charge ..
Hot water coming out of tap
Energy-efficient hot waterCut the cost of your hot water with tips and advice on the most energy-efficient and cost- ..
Home insulationInsulation is a key part of ensuring a home is as energy-efficient as possible. Find out a ..
Energy performance certificate
What is an energy performance certificate?An energy performance certificate is required if you are selling, renting or building in t ..
How does cooking affect energy bills
Energy-efficient cookingRead Uswitch's top tips for energy efficient cooking and find out how to cut energy consum ..
104 energy saving tips for the home header
104 energy saving tips for your homeWith working from home the new normal and energy prices high, it's important to keep your ..
Woman reaching into fridge
Energy efficiency labels explainedFind out how to read energy efficiency labels when buying appliances to help you save mone ..
Standalone electric heater in living room
Energy-efficient heatersDiscover the pros and cons of energy-saving heaters and how to get the best heating effici ..
Radiator
How to bleed a radiator: step-by-step guideFind out how to bleed a radiator with our step-by-step guide that makes the process as eas ..
Woman screwing in new energy-efficient lightbulb
Energy saving lightbulbsLow energy lighting and energy-saving lightbulbs may have had bad press in the past, but t ..
Worker installing wall insulation
What is the Great British Insulation Scheme?The Great British Insulation Scheme is a new energy efficiency scheme introduced by the go ..
Person washing up dishes by hand in sink
By hand or by dishwasher: which is more energy efficient?Wondering if it's more energy-efficient to wash your dishes by hand or use a dishwasher? F ..
Wood ready to be burned for fuel
Choosing a domestic heating fuelFind out what heating fuel is the best option for your home. Uswitch explains the advantag ..
Air conditioner unit in summer
Summer energy bills and the cost of keeping coolEnergy bills typically drop in the summer, but keeping yourself cool at home can bump up y ..

Home insulation

Learn more about home insulation

Worker installing floor insulation
Floor insulationFloor insulation can cut your heating bills, keep your home warmer and block draughts. Fin ..
Man installing loft insulation
Loft and roof insulation Discover the cheapest way to insulate a loft, with expert advice on cold and warm loft in ..
Cavity wall insulation of new build house
Solid and cavity wall insulationLearn about different wall insulation types, including cavity wall insulation and solid wa ..
Woman draught-proofing a door
Draught-proofing your homeDraught-proofing is a cheap way to prevent heat loss, cut your energy bills and warm up yo ..
Door with double glazed windows
Window insulation and double glazingThere's more to window insulation than double glazing. Find out about professional and DIY ..

Solar panels

Learn what solar panels are, how they work, and how you can get them.

Solar panels information – How solar power works in the UKSolar panels information: what are solar panels, how do they work and how can I get them? ..
a lit gas hob
How does switching energy supplier affect my Feed-In tariff?If you have solar panels and a Feed-In tariff, find out how you can switch energy suppliers.