Gas and electricity guides from uSwitch

Bills
Economy 7
Energy and renting
Energy discounts and money off schemes
Energy prices
Energy regulation
Household bills
How to switch
Meters
Questions & answers
Renewable energy
Smart meters
Smart thermostats
Suppliers
Switch energy
Tariff types
Tariffs
Uswitch energy awards

Bills

Gas and electricity utility bills breakdown

Utility bills consist of a variety of charges. Find out what's in the average utility bill, and how these costs breakdown.

Understanding your energy bills

Energy bills can be confusing at the best times, with even simple things like how much you're paying seemingly hidden. We guide you through the maze.

Informal carers and energy bills

Help for carers with energy bills - an estimated 4.9 million people in the UK act as informal carers. Many informal carers live with vulnerable friends or family, which can have an affect on their bills.

Energy bills - understanding utility bills

Energy bills can be confusing at the best times, with even simple things like how much you're paying seemingly hidden. We guide you through the maze.

Are you owed money or energy credit by your energy supplier?

We discuss what happens to your energy credit when you switch suppliers

Energy back billing — do you really owe your supplier?

A back bill or 'catch-up' bill from your energy supplier can be an unpleasant surprise. Find out if you really owe what your supplier says you do

How to scan your energy bill's QR code

QR codes are coming to your energy bill — find out how to use them to makes switching easier than ever

How to reduce your household gas and electricity bill

What will your energy bill look like in 2020, and what can you do to make sure you're paying the right amount?

Energy statements - what info is in my annual statement?

Annual energy statements are a great way to get an overall impression of your energy use. We talk you through what they contain.

How do I read my npower bill?

Quickly find your unit rate, plan name, standing charge and more with our npower energy bill breakdown

How do I read my First Utility Energy bill?

Quickly find your plan name, exit fee, and usage with our First Utility energy bill breakdown

How do I read my British Gas bill?

Quickly find your unit rate, plan name, standing charge and more with our British Gas bill breakdown

How do I read my OVO Energy bill?

Quickly find your plan name, exit fee, and more with our OVO Energy bill breakdown

Your energy personal projection - how it's calculated

A guide to energy personal projection

Energy FAQs: gas and electricity bills and more

We've gathered some of the most frequently asked questions about energy bills and gas and electricity suppliers in this simple and clear guide

Energy bill payments by Direct Debit

One of the cheapest ways to pay for energy is Direct Debit, which means this payment method can save your more on your household energy bill

How do I read my E.ON bill?

With our E.ON bill breakdown you can quickly find your unit rate, plan name, standing charge and more

How do I read my SSE bill?

Quickly find your unit rate, plan name, standing charge and more with our SSE energy bill breakdown

How do I read my EDF Energy bill?

Quickly find your unit rate, plan name, standing charge and more with our EDF Energy bill breakdown

How do I read my ScottishPower bill?

Quickly find your unit rate, plan name, standing charge and more with our ScottishPower energy bill breakdown

Is an Economy 7 tariff right for you?

Should you be on an Economy 7 energy tariff? Our guide reveals all

Energy Q&A: How do I know if my meter is Economy 7?

In this Q&A edition we explain how to tell if you're on an Economy 7 energy meter

What is an Economy 7 meter and how does the tariff work?

An Economy 7 tariff offers a different price for your electricity depending on when you use it, but is it suitable for you?

uSwitch guide to electrical safety in the home

Despite causing an average of 70 deaths and 350,000 serious injuries every year in the UK, many people underestimate the risks associated with electricity.

Warm Home Discount

The Warm Home Discount: £140 off your electricity bill.

Winter Fuel Allowance: how the heating allowance scheme works

Find out if you can get up to £300 Winter Fuel Payment reduction on your energy bill this winter and how to apply

How does switching energy supplier affect my Feed-In tariff?

Not sure if you can switch if you’ve got a Feed-In Tariff for your solar panels? We tackle this common question in our Energy Q&A

Cold weather payment

Cold weather payments are an additional benefit to help you pay for your heating when the cold weather really bites.

Suppliers that offer the Warm Home Discount scheme

Find out which energy suppliers offer the Warm Home Discount scheme

What is the Energy Company Obligation Scheme?

Could you benefit from the Energy Company Obligation scheme? Our guide explains what it is and how it works to provide homes with funding

Priority services register for vulnerable energy customers

Vulnerable energy consumers can find help with the priority services register

Gas and electricity price changes 2019

Keep up to date with the latest gas and electricity prices rises and price cuts with uSwitch

Energy price cap guide: how will the price cap rise affect customers?

What is a price cap and how does it affect you and your bills?

British Gas price rises 2019

British Gas announces gas and electricity price rise of 10%

SSE announces new energy price rise - 2019

What was the latest price change from SSE? Find out whether prices went up or down

ScottishPower price changes - price rise announcements in 2019

Find out abut the latest ScottishPower price change, and what you can do about it

EDF Energy price rise announcements 2019

Find out about EDF Energy's latest gas and electricity price changes

Find a cheaper energy deal with uSwitch

Finding the cheapest gas and electricity supplier is all about finding the cheapest energy supplier for you.

npower price rise announcements 2019

npower price changes for 2019

E.ON energy price rise announcements 2019

The latest on E.ON energy price rises and price drops

What is fracking and is it safe?

Find out everything you need to know about fracking with our guide

How to find a cheap electricity plan

Compare electricity prices with our gas & electricity switching service. Free, quick and simple electricity price comparison.

How does a wholesale gas price rise affect your energy bill?

Find out how and why wholesale gas price changes impact your energy bills

Compare gas suppliers and gas prices

Compare gas prices with our gas & electricity switching service. Free, quick and easy to use gas price comparison.

EDF Energy announces 6% price rise in 2018

Find out about EDF Energy's latest gas and electricity price changes

Energy debt

Energy debt - what to do if you're in debt with your energy supplier.

Energy price rises - uSwitch Q&A

uSwitch - Energy Price Rises Q&A - Have gas and electricity prices gone up and what can you do about it?

Heating oil guide - everything you need to know

Everything you need to know about heating oil, including how to compare heating oil and how heating your home with oil works is in this uSwitch guide

What to do in case of a power cut

Find out what you to do if your home no longer has access to electricity.

Why do energy rates and costs differ by region?

Every wonder why your postcode makes a difference to your energy quote? Find out in this episode of Energy Q&A

How to make energy bill payments by cash or cheque

Does by paying by cash or cheque for your energy mean you pay more? Get the pros and cons

Standing charges on your energy bill

What are the standing charges listed on your energy bill and is there any way to avoid paying them?

uSwitch’s guide to electricity and gas price per kWh

Are you one of the many who can’t tell a kWh from a kW? Want to know what a kWh costs? Our guide reveals everything you need to know

Don't get overcharged by your energy supplier - 5 simple tips

Tips to avoid being overcharged by your energy supplier

Ofgem - The energy market regulator

Find out what Ofgem does and how they ensure consumers get a fair deal on energy

Consumer rights for energy customers

Energy consumer rights are legal rights which protect you as a consumer when you purchase energy.

Energy market investigation - the who, why and what now

Not sure what Ofgem's review of the energy market means for you? We explore the potential impact in our energy Q&A

Tariff Comparison Rates - what do you need to know?

A Tariff Comparison Rate can show you whether a particular tariff is likely to be better or worse than the one you're currently on - but does anyone still use them?

What is the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC)?

uSwitch's guide to the Department of Energy and Climate Change / BEIS, including how their policies impact your bills

Retail Market Review - what does it mean for you?

Wondering what Ofgem’s Retail Market Review means for your energy bill? We’ve got the answers in our guide to the RMR

Be an energy shopper

Energy shopping - top tips for comparing and switching energy

How to prep your home to save more on your energy bills

Wondering how to get the most out of your energy? Make sure you cover these five areas.

What happens after I switch energy with uSwitch?

Now that you've switched energy deals, what happens next? Find out in this easy to understand guide

Comparing energy prices by region

Find out how regional electricity and gas pricing works to ensure you're getting the best energy deal

Energy Switch Guarantee

How does the Energy Switch Guarantee protect you? Energy UK publishes list of pledges for suppliers to commit to, including refunds, final bills and service interruption

Tenants’ guide to switching energy supplier

Don't think you can't switch energy supplier because you're a tenant!

Helping friends and family to switch energy suppliers

Are your parents or grandparents one of the six in 10 British households that have never switched energy supplier? Why not help them save up to £447 on their energy bill?

Do I need to contact my energy supplier when I switch?

Thinking of switching to a better deal, but not sure who you need to contact? Don't worry, it's easier than you think

Gas meters and gas meter readings explained

Reading your gas meter: Make sure you don't pay more than you need to for your energy. uSwitch explain how to read your meter, and what to look out for

Electricity meter explained

Make sure you don't pay more than you need to for your energy with our guide to reading your electricity meter.

Energy Q&A: How to change from a prepayment meter to a standard credit meter

Looking to save some money by switching from a prepayment meter to a regular gas or electricity meter? Read on

Energy FAQs: meters and supply

We've gathered some of the most frequently asked questions about home energy meters and supply and pulled them into this everything-you-need-to-know guide

Understanding economy 10 tariffs - are they right for you?

Is Economy 10 right for you? If you can be a disciplined energy user, you save money on your bills

Prepayment meters explained

Everything to know about prepayment meters and finding a cheaper prepayment energy plan

What is my current energy supplier's fuel mix?

Discover how much of the electricity that you use is generated buy nuclear, renewable, coal or gas power stations with this uSwitch guide

How to take an energy meter reading

How to take a meter reading - find out how to take a reading from standard, dial, digital and Economy 7 gas and electricity meters

White meters explained

White meters explained - what is a white meter and how does it work?

E.ON Heatwise meter explained

Heatwise meter: Learn how a heatwise meter works.

Energy FAQs: gas and electricity prices and rates

We've gathered some of the most frequently asked questions about energy prices and energy bill rates and provided all the answers in one easy to understand guide

Energy switching - questions & answers

A bit daunted by the whole switching process? Don't worry, uSwitch has all the answers.

Where does the UK energy supply come from?

Ever wondered how your energy is generated? Our simple guide explains where it comes from and how you can control where your energy is sourced from

Can I keep my current energy plan if I move home?

Can you take your energy plan with you when you move home?? Find out in this edition of our Energy Q&A

What if your energy switch can't go ahead?

In some cases, an energy switch might not go ahead even though you've done everything you need to. Here are a few reasons why this might happen, and what you can do to fix them.

Claim compensation for an energy power cut

Suffer a power cut? uSwitch explains how to find out if you’re owed compensation and how to get it

Energy Q&A: What’s an online energy tariff?

In this Energy question and answer segment, we discuss online energy plans

Gas and electricity FAQs - a guide to common questions

Where does UK energy come from? What is dual fuel? How are my energy bills calculated? uSwitch answers all your questions about energy in the UK.

How to choose a green energy plan

Green energy plans offer an alternative to the usual energy deal, but they're not all the same. Learn about how renewable energy deals work and how to choose one

Energy Q&A: What is the Green Deal?

Wondering what a Green Deal energy efficiency loan is or how to get one? Find out in this Energy Q&A session

Energy Q&A: Can I switch energy supplier if I have solar panels?

Want to know if having solar panels will make it harder to switch energy supplier? Find out in this edition of our Energy Q&A

What is the renewable heat incentive (RHI)

Wondering whether you should sign up to the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme? We've got the answers to all your questions

Which suppliers offer green energy plans?

In this post, we explain how to find a green energy plan and supplier

Green energy subsidies

You're paying green subsidies on your energy bill — so what are they for and how much do they cost you?

Green levies cuts - how do they impact your bills?

What do the cuts to green levies mean for you and your energy bill?

Wind farms: What are the pros and cons of wind energy?

Wind farms are growing in the UK — how effective are they and could one come to your town?

Microgeneration of sustainable energy

Is it time to begin generating your own energy? Microgeneration could be the option for you - read all about it in our guide.

Smart meter FAQs

Simple, easy-to-understand info about Britain’s energy smart meter roll out

Smart meters explained

Heard about smart meters but not sure how they work? We explain everything about the new energy devices in our extensive FAQ guide.

Smart meter info for renters and landlords

Are you a renter or landlord looking for information about when and how you’ll get your smart meter? We can help.

Saving money with an energy smart meter

Simple, easy-to-understand information about saving money with a smart meter

When will my smart meter be installed?

Find out what the largest suppliers are currently doing and their progress towards the smart meter rollout.

Smart meter in home display - how it works

Find out what an in home display can and can’t do, how to use it to gain insight into your energy usage, and how it impacts your bill

Smart meter installation process - what to expect when your smart meter is fitted

Are you ready for your smart meter to be fitted? Find out how and when your smart meter will be installed

Energy Q&A: What's a smart meter?

Heard a lot about smart meters but not sure how they work or why they're so important? uSwitch expains

Smart thermostats

The ultimate uSwitch guide to smart thermostats

Nest smart thermostat review

Should you get a Nest thermostat? Find out what our reviewers had to say

Everything you need to know about smart thermostats

Should you consider getting a smart thermostat? Our guide reveals all

Energy supplier customer ratings

Who are the best and worst energy suppliers for customer satisfaction and service within the UK? We have measured the service of gas and electricity suppliers using an energy customer satisfaction survey alongside consumer feedback for energy companies, and detailed all the data in this guide

What to do if your energy supplier goes out of business

What happens if my energy supplier goes out of business? This is very rare but there are rules in place to protect energy consumers

Who is my gas or electricity supplier?

How do you find out who your gas and electricity supplier is? If you're wondering who is my electricity suppliers, or who is my gas supplied, then don't panic; it's easy to find out.

Switching to a small energy supplier

Could switching to a small energy supplier save you money?

Energy Q&A: Which energy company supplies my energy?

It's easy to find out which energy company provides your household's energy. Simply follow the steps below

Which energy supplier has the best smartphone app?

Find out which gas and electricity suppliers offer the best smartphone app for using their energy

Which energy suppliers are British?

Find which of the big six are homegrown in Great Britain

Energy Q&A: What's the deal with small energy suppliers?

Want to know if it's worth changing to a small energy supplier? Find out in the latest edition of our Energy Q&A

Big six energy companies guide

Who are the big six energy suppliers and are there any alternatives?

Underfloor heating - everything you need to know

Underfloor heating isn't just a hotel luxury — find out if it could work in your home

Getting an energy refund

Getting an energy refund - are you in credit to your supplier?

Reasons to switch with uSwitch

There are many reasons why you should switch with uSwitch - here are just a few of them.

Reasons to switch with uSwitch

There are many reasons why you should switch with uSwitch - here are just a few of them.

Compare cheap electricity suppliers

Looking for a cheaper electricity supplier? uSwitch can find you cheap electricity rates and help you switch electricity provider.

Switching energy can save you hundreds

70% of Great Britain’s homes are on a standard energy tariff from one of the ‘big six’ suppliers (British Gas, SSE, Npower, EDF, E.ON, and ScottishPower). Find out how switching energy can save you hundreds per year

How to send uSwitch your energy bill

Send us your bill and we'll make switching your gas and electricity even simpler for you

Find cheap gas suppliers

Find a cheap gas supplier in your area. Compare all UK gas companies to find cheap gas rates based on your personal circumstances and the cheapest gas supplier for you.

Moving house gas and electricity guide

Moving house? Find out who supplies your new property and how to get the best gas and electricity deal.

Gas and electricity bills: What is average usage and what type of energy user are you?

When it comes to gas and electricity, are you a low, medium or high energy user? Find out which group you fall into and which energy plan is best for your energy usage.

How to switch your supplier for gas and electricity

Switching is easy, but it can seem intimidating. We'll take you through the process step-by-step.

Compare energy prices with uSwitch

Compare energy prices to find a cheaper gas and electricity plan

uSwitch's jargon buster: a glossary of energy terminology

A glossary of all gas and electricity terms and phrases, a guide to staying jargon-free when dealing with energy companies.

How to make a complaint about your energy supplier

Find out how to make a complaint about your energy supplier, and who to talk to if your energy supplier doesn't resolve your complaint.

Switching your prepayment energy plan could save you hundreds

Find out how you can save £128 on your prepayment energy costs

Energy switching myths busted

We’re on an energy mythbusting mission to clear up any misconceptions about switching your gas and electricity!

Find cheap energy suppliers with an energy comparison

Find a cheap energy supplier: find a cheap energy supplier in your area to find the cheapest energy comparison for your home.

Doorstep energy switching: tips and advice from uSwitch

The latest tips and advice from uSwitch when it comes to door step selling of energy comparisons

What makes an energy plan standard?

What makes an energy plan 'standard'? Find out what being on your supplier’s standard plan means

Independent gas transporters

We explain what an independent gas transporter is, how you can tell if you are on IGT gas, and what you should be aware of if you are

Get help paying your bills

Social energy tariffs have mostly been phased out, but there are other options for those in fuel poverty. Find out if you are eligible to receive an energy allowance to help pay your gas and electricity bills

Dual fuel tariffs explained

Dual fuel tariffs can be the cheapest way to get your energy. Find out how to run a dual fuel comparison.

Energy tariffs explained

What makes an energy plan 'standard'? Find out what being on your supplier’s standard plan means

Collective energy switches - how does it work?

Collective purchasing energy guide

Online energy plans - what's the best deal?

Online energy plans can be incredibly competitive compare to standard plans. Find out everything you need to know about online gas and electricity tariffs

Advanced payment energy plans

How do advance payment energy plans work and are they right for you? Find out in the uSwitch guide.

Is your energy tariff ending?

Is you energy tariff ending? Make sure your next tariff is a good one with our simple guide

How much energy do I use? Understanding your consumption

Wondering how much energy you use? Our guide helps you interpret your bills and meter reading to determine your energy usage

Fixed rate plans

With gas and electricity price rises a hot topic, many people are wondering: 'Should I switch to a fixed price energy tariff?'

Comparing electricity suppliers in the UK

Comparing UK electricity companies will help you to find a better deal on your electricity. Find out everything you need to know about electric companies here.

Fixed price energy

Should you switch to a fixed price energy tariff? Who has the cheapest fixed price energy tariff? Everything you need to know about fixed price tariffs

Who won the 2010 uSwitch Energy Awards?

Find out what customers really think of their energy suppliers in the 2010 Energy Customer Satisfaction Awards at uSwitch

uSwitch Energy Awards 2014

The 2014 uSwitch Energy Awards is based on a survey of more than 5,000 energy consumers to find which energy supppliers have the most satisfied customers

Who won the 2012 uSwitch Energy Awards?

Find out who the best energy supplier is in our 2012 uSwitch Energy Customer Satisfaction Awards.

Who won the 2011 uSwitch Energy Awards?

The uSwitch 2011 customer satisfaction awards saw SSE (Scottish and Southern Energy) come out top for the 8th time in a row.

Who won the 2009 uSwitch Energy Awards?

Find out what customers really think of their energy suppliers in the 2009 Energy Customer Satisfaction Awards at uSwitch

uSwitch Energy Awards 2013

The uSwitch Energy Awards surveys more than 5,000 energy consumers to determine which of the big six provide the best deals and services

Gas & Electricity Guides

Gas and electricity utility bills breakdown

Understanding your energy bills

Informal carers and energy bills

Energy bills - understanding utility bills

Are you owed money or energy credit by your energy supplier?

Energy back billing — do you really owe your supplier?

How to scan your energy bill's QR code

How to reduce your household gas and electricity bill

Energy statements - what info is in my annual statement?

How do I read my npower bill?

How do I read my First Utility Energy bill?

How do I read my British Gas bill?

How do I read my OVO Energy bill?

Your energy personal projection - how it's calculated

Energy FAQs: gas and electricity bills and more

Energy bill payments by Direct Debit

How do I read my E.ON bill?

How do I read my SSE bill?

How do I read my EDF Energy bill?

How do I read my ScottishPower bill?

Is an Economy 7 tariff right for you?

Energy Q&A: How do I know if my meter is Economy 7?

What is an Economy 7 meter and how does the tariff work?

uSwitch guide to electrical safety in the home

Warm Home Discount

Winter Fuel Allowance: how the heating allowance scheme works

How does switching energy supplier affect my Feed-In tariff?

Cold weather payment

Suppliers that offer the Warm Home Discount scheme

What is the Energy Company Obligation Scheme?

Priority services register for vulnerable energy customers

Gas and electricity price changes 2019

Energy price cap guide: how will the price cap rise affect customers?

British Gas price rises 2019

SSE announces new energy price rise - 2019

ScottishPower price changes - price rise announcements in 2019

EDF Energy price rise announcements 2019

Find a cheaper energy deal with uSwitch

npower price rise announcements 2019

E.ON energy price rise announcements 2019

What is fracking and is it safe?

How to find a cheap electricity plan

How does a wholesale gas price rise affect your energy bill?

Compare gas suppliers and gas prices

EDF Energy announces 6% price rise in 2018

Energy debt

Energy price rises - uSwitch Q&A

Heating oil guide - everything you need to know

What to do in case of a power cut

Why do energy rates and costs differ by region?

How to make energy bill payments by cash or cheque

Standing charges on your energy bill

uSwitch’s guide to electricity and gas price per kWh

Don't get overcharged by your energy supplier - 5 simple tips

Ofgem - The energy market regulator

Consumer rights for energy customers

Energy market investigation - the who, why and what now

Tariff Comparison Rates - what do you need to know?

What is the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC)?

Retail Market Review - what does it mean for you?

Be an energy shopper

How to prep your home to save more on your energy bills

What happens after I switch energy with uSwitch?

Comparing energy prices by region

Energy Switch Guarantee

Tenants’ guide to switching energy supplier

Helping friends and family to switch energy suppliers

Do I need to contact my energy supplier when I switch?

Gas meters and gas meter readings explained

Electricity meter explained

Energy Q&A: How to change from a prepayment meter to a standard credit meter

Energy FAQs: meters and supply

Understanding economy 10 tariffs - are they right for you?

Prepayment meters explained

What is my current energy supplier's fuel mix?

How to take an energy meter reading

White meters explained

E.ON Heatwise meter explained

Energy FAQs: gas and electricity prices and rates