Let's be honest — energy bills have been brutal for UK households over the last few years. Even as prices have come down from their scary 2022 highs, the average family is still paying significantly more than they were before the crisis hit. The good news? There are genuinely simple things you can do right now to cut what you're spending. I'm Terry the Turtle, TrueSaver's friendly financial expert, and I'm going to walk you through it step by step.
Step One: Know What You're Actually Paying
Before you can save money, you need to know where you stand. Grab your last energy bill and find two things: your unit rate (the price per kilowatt hour you pay for gas and electricity) and your standing charge (the daily fee you pay just for being connected). These numbers are your starting point.
The Ofgem Price Cap sets the maximum rate suppliers can charge most households, but — and this is important — it doesn't cap your total bill, just the unit rates. So using less energy always means paying less. Write your current rates down. You'll need them when we start comparing.
Step Two: Check Whether a Fixed Tariff Could Save You Money
For the past couple of years, fixed tariffs mostly disappeared or were more expensive than the Price Cap. That's changing. More suppliers are now offering fixed deals that could lock you into a lower rate for 12 or even 24 months — and some of them beat the current cap by a meaningful margin.
A fixed tariff means certainty. You know exactly what you'll pay per unit, regardless of what happens to wholesale energy prices. If experts are predicting prices might rise — which they often do heading into winter — locking in now could save you a serious chunk of change. Some households are saving £200 to £500 a year by switching to the right fixed deal.
The key is to compare properly. Don't just ring your existing supplier and ask what they've got — they'll only show you their own deals. Use a proper comparison service (more on that below) to see the full market.
Step Three: Don't Ignore the Small Stuff — It Really Adds Up
Switching tariff is the biggest win, but changing a few habits at home can easily save another £100 to £200 a year on top. Here are the changes that actually move the needle:
Washing clothes at 30 degrees instead of 60 uses around 40% less electricity. Turning your thermostat down by just one degree can cut your heating bill by up to 10%. Switching off devices on standby — yes, really — saves the average household about £65 a year according to the Energy Saving Trust. And if you haven't already swapped to LED bulbs throughout your home, do it this weekend. They use up to 90% less energy than old-fashioned bulbs.
None of these things require you to be cold or uncomfortable. They're just smarter ways of using the energy you're already paying for.
Step Four: Make Sure You're Getting Every Penny of Support You're Entitled To
Millions of UK households are missing out on help they qualify for. The Warm Home Discount gives eligible households £150 off their electricity bill each winter — but you often have to apply, it doesn't just appear. The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme can fund free insulation and heating upgrades for qualifying homes. And if you're on certain benefits, your supplier may be legally required to offer you a better deal through the Priority Services Register.
Check with your supplier and your local council. Free money is out there — but you have to go and find it.
Terry's Top Tips
- Compare the full market today — don't assume your current supplier has your best deal. They almost certainly don't.
- Submit regular meter readings — estimated bills can mean you overpay and then wait ages for a refund.
- Check your credit balance — if your energy account is in credit, you're entitled to ask for that money back.
- Set a calendar reminder — if you go onto a fixed tariff, note the end date so you're ready to switch again before you roll onto a more expensive rate.
- Apply for the Warm Home Discount early — the scheme opens each autumn and funds can run out, so don't leave it late.
Energy bills don't have to feel like something that just happens to you. With a little time and the right tools, you can take back control and keep more of your hard-earned money where it belongs — in your pocket. Head over to TrueSaver right now to compare energy tariffs across the full UK market in minutes. It's free, it's fast, and it could put hundreds of pounds back in your family's budget this year. Go on — your future self will thank you!
