- Nearly half of bill-payers (48%) say constant bad news about energy costs, the price cap and wars has made it harder to know what to do to get the best deal[1]
- A third of households (36%) are avoiding switching energy deals as they are worried about making the wrong decision[2]
- Two-fifths of households on a standard tariff (38%) wrongly believe that fixing now would keep them paying their current high rates[3]
- Nearly a quarter of households (23%) are waiting for the price cap to fall before acting, despite energy use currently being at its highest due to winter temperatures[4]
- One in four households on standard tariffs (25%) haven’t switched in more than three years[5], and nearly half (48%) feel stressed about energy bills[6]
- Uswitch is urging households to take action now to save money off their energy bills during the coldest months of the year.
After years of bad news about rising energy prices, wars, and global turmoil, nearly half of households (48%) don’t know what they can do to reduce their energy bills[1], according to new research by Uswitch.com, the comparison and switching service.
As a result, one in three households (36%) are avoiding switching energy deals as they are so worried about making the wrong decision[2]. Thinking about energy bills causes stress for almost half of households (48%), and nearly two-fifths (37%) feel anxious every time energy is mentioned in the news[6].
Two-fifths of households on a standard tariff (38%) wrongly believe that fixing their deal now would keep them paying their current high rates[3]. In reality, many fixed deals are hundreds of pounds cheaper than standard tariffs at the moment, so switching to a good fixed tariff would actually lock in much cheaper rates.
Confusion about energy deals is also hampering many households, with a quarter of bill-payers (26%) saying they are not confident about the difference between standard and fixed energy deals[7]. Opting for a fixed rate tariff, rather than remaining on a standard tariff, could save households significant money.
A standard variable tariff is the default option, with rates dictated by the energy price cap, which changes four times a year. Fixed tariffs are priced completely differently, as suppliers buy energy in bulk — and in advance — so these are often much cheaper than price cap rates. These fixed rates are then locked in for the duration of the tariff, usually 12 to 18 months.
Home energy use is at its highest during winter, meaning that households who wait until later in the year to switch will miss out on savings right now. Despite this, nearly a quarter of households (23%) are waiting for the price cap to fall before acting[4].
A third of households (35%) also incorrectly believe that the price cap is the maximum amount you pay for your energy bill each year[8]. It is actually a cap on the price a supplier can charge you for each individual unit of gas and electricity, not their total energy bill. Households that use more energy will pay more.
A third of households on standard tariffs (35%) haven’t switched their energy deal in more than three years, and a fifth (19%) have never switched[5].
Households switching from a standard variable tariff to the cheapest fixed deal right now could save an average of £238 a year — with average costs around 15% cheaper than the current price cap[9].
Uswitch.com is urging households to run a simple check using their postcode to see what energy deals are available to them, and switch now to lock in savings during the coldest winter months.
Natalie Mathie, energy expert at Uswitch.com, comments: “Relentless headlines about bad news, wars, and price rises are draining, and are causing millions of households to be confused and fearful of what action to take.
“All the confusion has led to many households avoiding making decisions, not realising that leaves them paying more for their energy bills at the most expensive time of year.
“The good news is that there’s one quick and easy way to save yourself hundreds of pounds a year on your energy bill.
“The cheapest fixed deal is currently £238 less than a standard variable tariff, and there are many with similar savings, making it a no-brainer to switch at a time when winter energy use is at its highest.
“The longer-term outlook for the price of energy is still uncertain, but fixed deals are still offering really good value and are strongly worth considering.
“If you haven’t fixed in a year or more, you’re probably on a standard tariff and paying more than you need to. Running a quick energy comparison using your postcode is the easiest way to see what’s available and lock in a cheaper rate.”
See if you can save by comparing energy deals at Uswitch.com
For more information
Rianna York | Energy PR Manager
rianna.york@rvu.co.uk
Twitter: @UswitchPR
Notes to editors
Research conducted online by Opinium, 16th - 23rd January 2026, among 2,000 UK residents, weighted to be nationally representative.
1. Respondents were asked ‘How far do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about your energy bills and tariff? Constant news about energy prices, the price cap, wars and global events has made it harder to know what to do to get the best deal for me.’ 48% agreed.
2. Respondents were asked, ‘Have you ever avoided switching your energy tariff because you were worried about making the wrong decision?’ 36% said ‘Yes’.
3. Respondents were asked ‘Thinking about switching energy, are the following statements true or false to your situation? My energy bills are high right now, so I don’t want to fix at these current rates.’ 38% of people on a standard tariff said ‘True’.
4. Respondents were asked ‘I haven’t switched energy supplier or tariff because I’m waiting for the energy price cap to fall before I do anything’. 23% replied ‘True’.
5. Respondents were asked ‘When was the last time you switched your energy tariff?’ 25% of households on standard tariffs said more than three years. 19% said they had never switched.
6. Respondents were asked ‘How far do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about your energy bills and tariff? Thinking about energy bills causes me stress.’ 48% of households on standard tariffs agreed. Respondents were asked ‘How far do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about your energy bills and tariff? I feel anxious every time energy is mentioned in the news.’ 37% of households on standard tariff agreed.’
7. Respondents were asked ‘How confident are you, if at all, that you understand the differences between a ‘fixed energy tariff’ and a ‘standard variable energy tariff’?’ 26% replied ‘Not confident’.
8. Respondents were asked ‘Do you understand the following statements about the energy price cap to be true or false? The energy price cap is the maximum amount you pay for your energy bill each year.’ 35% said ‘True’.
9. Cheapest fixed energy tariff on the market as of 3 February 2026, 9.30am.