Let's be honest — energy bills have been eye-watering for UK households over the past few years. Even though prices have come down from their 2022 peaks, the average household is still paying hundreds of pounds more than they were just a few years ago. The good news? There are genuine, practical things you can do right now to cut what you're paying. I'm Terry the Turtle, TrueSaver's friendly financial expert, and I'm here to walk you through it — step by step, plain and simple.
Step One: Check If You're on the Best Tariff Available
Here's something that might surprise you — many households are still sitting on their supplier's standard variable tariff (SVT). In plain English, that's the default rate your supplier puts you on when you haven't actively chosen a deal. It's almost always one of the most expensive options available.
Fixed-rate tariffs have been creeping back onto the market, and some are now coming in below the current Ofgem Price Cap. That means switching to a fixed deal could actually lock you into a lower rate than you're paying today — and protect you if prices rise again this winter. The key is to compare. Don't assume your current supplier is giving you their best price. They rarely are.
Step Two: Get an Accurate Picture of What You're Actually Using
If you've got a smart meter, brilliant — use it. Log into your supplier's app and look at your actual usage over the last three months. If you don't have a smart meter, submit a manual meter reading to your supplier today. Why does this matter? Because if your supplier is estimating your usage, your bills might not reflect reality. You could be overpaying — or building up a debt without realising it.
Knowing your actual annual usage in kilowatt hours (kWh) for both gas and electricity also helps you compare tariffs much more accurately. A comparison site will use these numbers to give you a realistic quote rather than a generic estimate.
Step Three: Make Simple Changes at Home That Really Add Up
Switching tariffs is the biggest win, but a few easy habits around the home can knock a meaningful chunk off your bill too. Heating is the big one — it accounts for around 55% of the average UK energy bill. Turning your thermostat down by just one degree can save around £100 a year. Sounds small, but it adds up fast.
Other quick wins include switching to LED bulbs if you haven't already (they use up to 90% less energy than old-style bulbs), only boiling as much water as you need in the kettle, and making sure your boiler is serviced so it runs efficiently. Draught-proofing around doors and windows is cheap to do yourself and can save £50–£100 a year too.
Step Four: Check What Support You Might Be Entitled To
This one is huge and massively overlooked. Millions of UK households are eligible for help they've never claimed. The Warm Home Discount gives eligible low-income households a £150 rebate off their electricity bill each winter. The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme can fund free insulation or a new boiler for qualifying households. Cold Weather Payments kick in automatically for people on certain benefits when temperatures drop.
If you're on a low income, receive Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or other benefits, please do check your eligibility for these schemes. It could be worth hundreds of pounds — and it's money you're entitled to.
Terry's Top Tips
- Compare tariffs today, not tomorrow. Fixed deals are back and some beat the Price Cap — but availability changes fast. Don't put it off.
- Submit a meter reading before you switch. This makes sure your final bill is accurate and you're not charged for energy you didn't use.
- Set your boiler flow temperature to around 60°C. Most boilers are set too high by default — lowering it can save you up to £112 a year on its own.
- Check your direct debit amount. If your supplier has overcollected, you may be sitting on credit. You're entitled to ask for that money back.
- Don't ignore your energy account. Log in, check your balance, and make sure your payments match your actual usage — especially heading into winter.
Energy bills don't have to stay this painful. A bit of action today — comparing tariffs, checking your usage, and claiming what you're owed — could save your household hundreds of pounds over the next twelve months. At TrueSaver, we make it simple to compare energy deals and find a tariff that actually works for your home and your budget. Head over to our energy comparison tool right now and see how much you could save. You might be surprised.
