Online plans are almost always the cheapest - often coming in at around £300 a year cheaper than standard plans.
There are many different types of energy plan on the market, including 'standard' plans, 'green' plans and 'online' energy plans.
They all have different features and benefits, but online plans are almost always the cheapest.
What is an online energy plan?
The difference between online energy plans and other energy plans is relatively small. They vary from supplier to supplier, but the most common factor you'll find with online energy plans is that you'll need to sign-up online.
Some energy suppliers treat online plans like any standard energy plan - they will continue to send you paper bills and you'll manage your account as normal.
However, it's more likely that you'll manage your account online.
This means you won't get paper bills, instead you'll get an email and you'll also have to go online to give your meter readings.
What are the benefits of online energy plans?
Online energy plans enjoy a host of benefits that don't always come with other types of plan:
Much lower prices:
online energy plans are often hundreds of pounds cheaper than the same supplier's standard plan.-
Lower administrative costs
meaning the supplier can pass on the savings to their customers. -
Good for the environment:
if you choose to receive paperless billing, you can cut down on the amount of paperwork you receive. -
Excellent discounts:
large discounts are often available if you take an online plan, with even further discounts are available if you pay by Direct Debit. -
Enter your meter readings online:
most suppliers offer you the option of entering your meter readings online. It's quick, easy, and ensures that you will always receive accurate bills.
Could I save with an online energy plan?
Online energy plans are around £300 a year cheaper than standard plans - which works out as a big discount off the average energy bill.
To find out if you could save money by switching to an online energy plan, simply compare gas and electricity prices at uSwitch. All online plans will be listed in the results, along with the savings you could make.
How do I know if I've got an online energy plan already?
Just because you signed-up online, or manage your account online that doesn't automatically mean you're on an online plan, as these features are available with standard plans too.
Look at the name of your plan - if it's got 'online' or 'web' in the name, that's a good clue that you're on an online energy plan. If you're in any doubt, call your energy supplier and check.
I'm already on an online energy plan - does that mean I've got the best deal already?
If you're already on an online energy plan - congratulations, you're probably getting a good deal on your gas and electricity.
However, don't be complacent - even if you already have an online energy plan, it's a good idea to review your situation now and again and check that the plan you're on is still the best deal for you.
Energy suppliers bring out new plans all the time, so it's a good idea to compare gas and electricity prices regularly.