Let's be honest — energy bills have been a nightmare for UK households over the past few years. Even though prices have come down from their peak, millions of families are still paying far more than they should. The good news? The energy market is opening up again, fixed-rate deals are back on the table, and there are real savings to be had if you know where to look. I'm Terry the Turtle, and I'm here to help you every step of the way.
Why Right Now Is Actually a Great Time to Act
For a long time, there was barely any point shopping around for energy — suppliers weren't offering competitive fixed deals, and most people were stuck on their supplier's Standard Variable Tariff (SVT), which is basically the most expensive option going. But things have changed. Suppliers are now competing for your business again, which means fixed-rate tariffs are appearing that can genuinely beat what you're currently paying. If you haven't checked your energy deal in the last six months, there's a very good chance you're leaving money on the table.
Step One: Know What You're Currently Paying
Before you can save money, you need to know your starting point. Dig out a recent energy bill — paper or online — and find your current unit rate (in pence per kWh) and your standing charge (the daily fee you pay just for being connected). These two numbers are what you compare when you're looking at new deals. Also check whether you're on a fixed tariff or a variable one. If it's variable, you're almost certainly paying more than you need to. Write these numbers down — you'll need them when you start comparing.
Step Two: Compare Tariffs Properly — Don't Just Go With the First Deal You See
Comparison sites make this much easier than it used to be, but there are a few things to watch out for. Always compare deals based on your actual usage, not a national average. Enter your real figures when comparing — most bills show your annual usage in kWh for gas and electricity separately. Look at the total annual cost, not just the unit rate, because a low unit rate with a high standing charge can end up costing you more overall. And always check the exit fees before signing up to a fixed deal — most are reasonable, but it's worth knowing upfront in case your circumstances change.
Fixed deals give you certainty — your price won't go up for the length of the contract, usually 12 or 24 months. That peace of mind has real value, especially if you're budgeting carefully. If a fixed deal saves you even £200 a year compared to your current tariff, that's real money back in your pocket.
Step Three: Reduce What You Actually Use
Switching tariff is the quickest win, but reducing your consumption means you save money no matter what tariff you're on. A few changes that genuinely make a difference: turn your thermostat down by just one degree (that alone can save around £100 a year), switch to LED bulbs if you haven't already, only boil as much water as you need in the kettle, and make sure your boiler is set to the right flow temperature — many are set too high straight from installation. Draught-proofing windows and doors costs very little and can cut heating bills noticeably. None of this requires a major lifestyle change.
Terry's Top Tips
- Submit meter readings regularly — estimated bills can leave you overpaying without realising it. A smart meter removes this problem entirely.
- Check if you qualify for the Warm Home Discount — eligible households get £150 off their electricity bill. It's worth checking every year as eligibility criteria can change.
- Don't ignore your energy credit balance — if you pay by direct debit and you're in credit, you can often ask for some of that money back.
- Set a reminder to re-compare six weeks before your fixed deal ends — this stops you from rolling onto a pricier variable tariff by accident.
- Bundle comparison with other bills — while you're in comparison mode, check broadband and home insurance too. The savings can really add up.
Start Saving Today With TrueSaver
You don't need to spend hours on this. At TrueSaver, we make it simple to compare energy tariffs side by side, in plain English, with no confusing small print. Whether you want a fixed deal for certainty or you're just curious whether you could be paying less, we've got the tools to help you find out in minutes. Head over to TrueSaver now, enter your details, and let's get you onto a better deal — because every pound you save on energy is a pound you can spend on something that actually makes you smile.
