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Energy guides

If you're looking for assistance in comparing energy, switching energy or any energy problem, our energy guides are here to help.

Energy bills

Managing energy bills is key for customers - find the answers to your questions here.

Frequently asked energy bill questions - Uswitch

Confused by your energy bill? Confused by your electricity bill? You’re not alone. Read the Uswitch guide and all will become clear.

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How to prepare for a price cap update - Uswitch

With the price cap due to be updated on four times a year, Uswitch has released a checklist for energy customers to help them prepare, whether the cap's going up or down.

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Average gas and electricity bills in the UK - Uswitch

What does the average UK gas and electricity bill look like? See how your energy usage and bills compare against Ofgem's averages for 2024.

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Gas and electricity standing charges - Uswitch

What is a standing charge for gas and electricity? All energy tariffs offered have a daily standing charge. The charge will cover the fixed costs of supplying your home with both gas and electricity, you then pay your usage on top.

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Getting a refund from your energy supplier - Uswitch

Does your current or previous energy supplier owe you money? Find out how to get it back with Uswitch’s guide to energy refunds.

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Energy back billing errors - Uswitch

Understand how to deal with energy supplier back billing. Discover your rights as a consumer and what you can do if you receive an unexpected energy bill.

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What to do if you're in debt to your energy supplier - Uswitch

Are you in energy debt? Find out what help is available if you owe money to your energy supplier and how to get out of energy debt.

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How to understand gas and electricity utility bills - Uswitch

Discovering what a utility bill includes will help you understand how, why and what you have been charged by an energy supplier. Utility bills can contain a number of additional charges, facts, and figures on your home usage.

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How much energy do I use? - Uswitch

Discover how to calculate your monthly energy usage. Work out how much gas and electricity you use and how much you could save by switching energy suppliers.

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E.ON Next energy bill explained - Uswitch

We break down a sample statement to help you read your E.ON Next energy bill and cut through the confusion.

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EDF Energy energy bill explained - Uswitch

Having trouble understanding your EDF bill? We’ve got a helpful energy bill breakdown with an example bill, to help you cut through the confusion.

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Paying for energy via Direct Debit - Uswitch

Looking for different ways to save on your household energy bill? One of the cheapest ways to pay for your energy is by Direct Debit. But how does it work?

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ScottishPower energy bill explained - Uswitch

Having trouble understanding your ScottishPower bill? Read our helpful energy bill breakdown to cut through the confusion.

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OVO Energy bills explained - Uswitch

Having trouble understanding your OVO bill? Use Uswitch's helpful energy bill breakdown to cut through the confusion.

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How do I read my British Gas bill? - Uswitch

No need to be confused by your British Gas energy bill. We break down an example bill to help you read your energy bill and cut through the confusion.

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How to pay by cash or cheque for your energy bill - Uswitch

Are you paying more than you should for your energy bills because you are paying by cash or cheque? We list the pros and cons of doing so.

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Your energy personal projection explained - Uswitch

Find out how energy personal projections are calculated, and how they factor into your Uswitch energy price comparison.

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Octopus Energy bill explained

Energy bills can be confusing, but they're not as scary as they look - find out how to read your Octopus Energy bill here.

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Energy discounts and help

Various discounts and help are available to energy customers, both through industry organisations and individual suppliers. See what might be available to you here.

How to find out if you’re eligible for an energy help scheme, grant or benefit - Uswitch

Find out if you're eligible for energy help schemes or benefits using our interactive tool.

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Ofgem: discover the role of the energy market regulator - Uswitch

Find out how Ofgem works with both energy suppliers and consumers. Discover how the UK energy regulator helps ensure consumers get a fair deal on their energy.

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Get help paying your energy bills - Uswitch

Get help paying your energy bills. There are options for those struggling - find out if you are eligible for an energy grant or a rebate on your energy bills.

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How to spot and avoid energy scams - Uswitch

Energy scams are on the rise amid the ongoing cost of living crisis. How do you spot and avoid them? Find out in Uswitch's guide.

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Priority Services Register - Uswitch

Vulnerable energy customers such as the elderly and disabled can register for special services from their energy supplier - here's how.

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Power cut compensation and what to do in case of a power cut - Uswitch

Lost gas or electricity? Suffered a power cut? The Uswitch guide to power cuts explains what you need to know and how to get what you're owed.

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Informal carers and energy bills - Uswitch

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 effect on their bills.

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How do demand flexibility schemes like Utrack Money Back work? - Uswitch

The National Grid's Demand Flexibility Service promises to pay customers for energy they don't use - how does it work, and it is it worth it?

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Warm Home Discount scheme 2023-24 - Uswitch

Discover all you need to know about the government-funded Warm Home Discount scheme - a guide to help eligible homes save money on their energy bills in 2023 and 2024.

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Consumer rights for energy customers - Uswitch

What are your rights as an energy consumer? Can your supplier raise its prices? Have you been mis-sold an energy plan? All this and more in our guide

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Discover the financial benefits of the Winter Fuel Payment scheme - Uswitch

Find out everything you need to know about the government's Winter Fuel Payment and its financial benefits.

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Cold Weather Payments: Find out if you’re eligible & how to claim - Uswitch

Are you eligible for a Cold Weather Payment this year? Find out if you could claim £25 for every week of cold weather this winter.

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Gas and electricity: a guide to household energy bills - Uswitch

A complete guide to energy in the UK, how energy bills are calculated, what dual fuel is and more.

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What is the Energy Company Obligation Scheme? - Uswitch

Could you benefit from the Energy Company Obligation Scheme? Find out what it is and if you are eligible for energy funding.

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Support for energy customers with sight loss

From the Priority Services Register to tailored support, many energy suppliers are taking steps to make it easier for those with visual impairments to manage their energy bills and accounts.

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Support for energy customers with hearing loss

Many energy suppliers are taking steps to improve communication for customers with hearing impairments. Here’s how you can get help with your gas and electricity supply and easily manage your energy accounts if you’re affected by hearing loss.

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Electrical safety - keep your home safe

Get information on electrical safety in our electricity safety guide. From worn cables and wires to foreign appliances, make sure your home is safe from hazards.

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Power cuts: what to expect and how to handle them

Power cuts and blackouts are never enjoyable, whether they're expected or unexpected. Find out how to handle them here.

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Energy meters

Get to grips with the different types of gas and electricity meter here.

How to prepare for a price cap update - Uswitch

With the price cap due to be updated on four times a year, Uswitch has released a checklist for energy customers to help them prepare, whether the cap's going up or down.

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Changing from a prepayment meter to a credit meter - Uswitch

Looking to switch from a prepayment meter to a credit meter? We explain who can switch and how you can get your prepayment meter replaced with a standard meter.

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What is Economy 7? - Uswitch

Find out everything you need to know about Economy 7 meters and tariffs, including how to tell whether you have an Economy 7 meter, how Economy 7 tariffs work and how to get the best energy deal for you.

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Prepayment meters and pay as you go energy - Uswitch

Millions of households across the UK have prepayment or pay as you go energy meters. If yours is one of them, find out how prepayment meters work, the pros and cons and how to find a cheaper gas and electricity deal.

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How to read your gas and electricity meters - Uswitch

Find out how to take meter readings from any type of gas or electricity meter in this Uswitch guide to reading energy meters.

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What is Economy 10? - Uswitch

Economy 10 tariffs means you pay a cheaper rate for your electricity during the off-peak times of the day. See if Economy 10 is right for you and your home.

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How to move your gas or electricity meter - Uswitch

You might not know how to move your gas or electricity meter, but if you're having building work, you might need to learn. This guide will help.

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White meters explained

Moved into a property with a white meter? Find out what a white meter is and how it works here.

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Energy prices

Whether they're relatively stable or fairly volatile, energy prices are worth keeping an eye on. Find out more here.

EDF price changes in 2024 - Uswitch

Will energy bills from EDF rise in 2024? Discover the latest EDF energy price changes in our roundup. Find out info on the latest energy price rises in 2024.

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Discover why 2024 energy price changes affect energy bills - Uswitch

Find out which suppliers have increased or decreased their energy prices and how that affects your energy bills in 2024.

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Gas and electric costs: understanding kWh - Uswitch

What is the gas and electricity cost per kwh in the UK? To understand what a kWh costs, you first need to know what the difference between a kWh and a kW is. Discover all you need to know about understanding electricity price per kWh.

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What is Ofgem's energy price cap 2024? - Uswitch

Information on the energy price cap set by Ofgem at a level of £1,928 for standard variable tariff customers from January to April 2024.

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How to compare and switch heating oil - Uswitch

Find out everything you need to know about heating oil, including how heating your home with oil works and how to compare heating oil prices.

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Octopus price changes in 2024 - Uswitch

Will Octopus energy prices change in 2024? What happens if they go up or down? Find out here.

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Why energy tariff costs are different by region - Uswitch

Discover why energy tariff's costs are different by region. Uswitch sheds light on the topic of why your energy prices vary with your postcode.

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E.ON Next price changes in 2024 - Uswitch

Will energy bills from E.ON Next rise in 2024? Find out info on the latest E.ON Next changes in 2024 here.

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British Gas price changes in 2024 - Uswitch

Find out how you are affected by British Gas price changes in 2024 and how to get a cheaper deal on your energy. Compare and switch energy suppliers today.

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ScottishPower price changes in 2024 - Uswitch

Find out how you could be affected by ScottishPower price changes in 2024 and find out how to get a cheaper deal on gas and electricity. Compare and switch your energy today.

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OVO price changes in 2024 - Uswitch

Will OVO energy prices go up or down in 2024? Keep up to date with OVO price changes here.

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How to avoid being overcharged on your energy - Uswitch

Discover how to check if you have been overcharged (or incorrectly charged) by your energy supplier for your energy consumption. Our guide explains how to check in five easy steps to ensure your gas and electricity supplier doesn't overcharge you in 2024.

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Underfloor heating: the ultimate guide - Uswitch

Expert advice and all you need to know about underfloor heating systems including the different types of underfloor heating, the costs and the benefits.

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Fracking in the UK - what is it and is it dangerous?

Get the facts about fracking in the UK. Learn about the risks of UK fracking with our user guide which has the answers to all your fracking questions

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Energy suppliers

Questions about your supplier? Find the answers here.

Big six energy suppliers - Uswitch

Discover who the big six energy suppliers in the UK are and why they are important to households' domestic energy bills and energy tariffs.

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How to make a complaint about your energy supplier - Uswitch

Want to make a complaint about your energy supplier? Uswitch's guide to energy complaints explains what to do and when to contact the Energy Ombudsman.

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How to compare and switch UK electricity suppliers - Uswitch

Are you one of the households overpaying for your domestic household electricity? Compare electricity prices here and switch today saving you money on your energy bills in 2024.

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What happens if my energy supplier goes bust? - Uswitch

What happens if your energy supplier goes bust and out of business? In this scenario there are rules in place to protect energy consumers.

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Which energy suppliers are British-owned? - Uswitch

Wondering which suppliers are 'British made'? It might surprise you which of the big six have roots in the UK.

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Domestic energy suppliers' fuel mix - Uswitch

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

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How to contact your energy supplier

Finding your energy supplier's contact details can be tricky, especially if their website isn't easy to navigate. We've collated the contact details of energy suppliers so you can see what your options are.

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Energy switching

Confused about the process of energy switching? See what's involved and what information you might need here.

Switching energy when moving house - Uswitch

Set up a new gas and electricity supply when you move to ensure you're on the best energy deal and discover how to inform your energy provider before moving home.

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Switching energy supplier for a cheaper deal - Uswitch

Looking for a cheaper gas or electricity supplier but not sure where to start? Check out our step-by-step guide on how to find a better energy supplier.

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Energy switching myths busted - Uswitch

Think switching energy will mean you’ll get charged twice or temporarily lose power in your home? Think again. We reveal the truth behind some of the most common energy switching myths.

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Energy prices by region - Uswitch

Did you know your postcode determines your energy bills? Find out which areas in the UK are the cheapest and the most expensive in terms of energy pricing.

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Energy Switch Guarantee: ensuring reliable, hassle-free switching

Switch your energy supplier with absolute confidence - Energy UK's Energy Switch Guarantee protects you and your home through its 10 commitments.

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Claim energy bill credit when you switch energy supplier - Uswitch

Discover if you have energy bill credit from your current gas and electricity supplier. Understand why your energy bill might be in credit and learn how to check if you are due an energy refund.

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Switching to a small energy supplier – Uswitch

Smaller energy suppliers make up a significant part of the UK energy market. As more people leave the big six energy suppliers, should you also switch to a smaller energy provider? Our guide answers all your small supplier questions.

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Rejected energy switch issues and how to fix them - Uswitch

A rejected energy switch can sometimes occur even when it looks like everything's gone through correctly. Here's why this might happen and what you can do about it if it does.

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Tenants’ guide to switching energy and electricity supplier - Uswitch

Discover if you can or cannot compare and switch energy providers without your landlord’s permission. More than three-quarters of UK renters are missing out of hundreds of pounds worth of energy savings by not comparing and switching their energy supplier.

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Switching your energy supplier: your questions answered - Uswitch

Got questions about the energy switching process? Uswitch has the answers here to help you save hundreds of pounds in minutes.

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Notifying your supplier of an energy switch - Uswitch

When you switch energy supplier through a comparison site like Uswitch, you don't need to contact your supplier. We explain how it all works in this handy guide.

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Where does my household electricity and gas come from? - Uswitch

Energy is generated in a number of ways. Discover where, what and how your home energy is created? Find out what your current energy supplier's fuel mix is.

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Collective energy switching scheme: how it works - Uswitch

Discover how the collective energy switching scheme works and why the consumer has the power when it comes to gas and electricity prices, deals and tariffs.

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Can I switch energy supplier if I have solar panels? - Uswitch

Find out if having solar panels will make it more difficult for you to switch energy supplier.

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When is the best time to switch my energy deal?

You probably know it's a good idea to switch your energy, but do you know when is the best time to do it? Our guide explains how to avoid exit fees and get the best deal for you by switching at the right time.

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Energy tariffs

Energy tariffs are the deals you might sign up to when you switch - see what they entail here.

How do fixed price energy tariffs work - Uswitch

Fixed price energy tariffs or fixed rate plans are a popular type of gas and electricity tariff. Our guide explains how they work, why they're so popular and how they could help protect your energy bills from rising unexpectedly.

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Standard variable rate tariffs - Uswitch

What makes an energy plan 'standard variable rate' or 'standard rate'? Find out why this one of the most expensive domestic energy plans to be on.

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What are the different types of energy tariff? - Uswitch

Do you wonder why there are so many different energy tariffs for domestic gas and electricity? In our guide to energy tariffs, we'll explain how and why energy suppliers offer different energy and pricing. You can then compare the different tariffs and decide what is the best type for you.

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

If you have solar panels and a Feed-In tariff, find out how you can switch energy suppliers.

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Find out if your energy plan is ending - Uswitch

Knowing when your energy tariff is ending will help you save - don't get rolled onto a more expensive energy tariff when your energy plan ends.

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What are Independent Gas Transporters (IGTs)? - Uswitch

Find out 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.

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Tariff Comparison Rate — how to find and use an energy TCR

Tariff Comparison Rates help you work out if you're on the best energy plan, but is it still worth using them?

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Should I get a no standing charge tariff?

No standing charge energy tariffs look like attractive options, but are they the right option, even with the money they can save you?

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Smart energy

Smart energy is the future - how can you get on board? Find out here.

The ultimate guide to smart thermostats - Uswitch

Discover all you need to know about getting a smart thermostat - find out how a new smart thermostat can reduce your energy usage and energy bills, and compare the most popular products in the market.

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When will my energy supplier install my smart meter?

All suppliers will have offered their customers smart meters for gas and electric by June 2025. Find out what the largest suppliers are currently doing and their progress towards the smart meter rollout.

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Top 5 smart meter benefits - Uswitch

Many suppliers are encouraging their customers to make the move to smart meters in order to modernise the nation’s energy infrastructure. If you’re still unsure whether a smart meter is right for you, we’ve listed the top five benefits of smart meters in this guide.

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Smart meters | What are they? How do they work?

Smart meters offer a free way to keep track of your energy usage and could mean the end of estimated bills and meter readings. Our comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about smart meters.

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Smart thermostats - how they work and how you can save

Smart thermostats let you control your home's temperature via a tablet, smartphone or desktop for greater control over your heating and your energy bills.

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Energy studies

Read our latest energy studies.

Which appliances use the most energy? - Uswitch

With energy prices still high, there are limited options for both saving money and limiting your impact on the environment. Previously you’d have been able to switch to a better energy deal with one of the increasing number of green energy suppliers, but this is no longer the case.

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UK business energy statistics 2024 | Uswitch.com

We’ve collated business energy statistics for 2024, covering the UK energy market, business energy costs, the most energy-intensive industries, and more.

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104 energy saving tips for your home - Uswitch

With working from home the new normal and energy prices high, it's important to keep your bills as low as possible. The best ways to do that are in our guide featuring 104 energy-saving tips.

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UK renewable energy statistics 2023 report

We’ve collated the latest renewable energy statistics for 2023, covering the production, consumption and capacity of the UK’s green energy market.

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Mouldy nation report

For this report, Uswitch looks at the prevalence of mould across the UK and offers tips and advice on how to combat it.

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100+ UK energy statistics 2023

What is the average energy bill in the UK? We’ve collated facts and stats from average energy costs, to regional data. Click here for all the details!

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Green Council Report: Are county councils taking sustainable steps?

With the UK’s net zero emissions target date set for 2050, green energy comparison site Uswitch.com wanted to see if the UK’s county councils are doing their part to become better sustainable businesses.

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The cities with the most beautiful green spaces

Discover where in the world you can find the most beautiful parks and gardens to relax and unwind in

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The world’s most popular B Corp businesses

By analysing B Corp data, the green energy experts at Uswitch have revealed the most popular green brands on the planet and which country is home to the most B-Corps.

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The countries most affected by global warming, based on natural disasters

Global warming has intensified natural disasters in recent years, including earthquakes, superstorms and wildfires. But which countries are most affected by these hazards? Uswitch investigates.

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Which European meals have the largest carbon footprint?

Food plays a major role in climate change, so we found which dishes were the worst culprits. Find out which meals in Europe have the largest carbon footprint.

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Eco Trends Report: Top trending eco hacks & products on TikTok

Discover TikTok’s top trending eco-friendly brands, products, and helpful hacks and reduce your impact on the environment from home.

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Which European city uses the most energy to light up for Christmas?

Christmas is an expensive time of year, especially when it comes to switching on the Christmas tree. But which European city uses the most energy for their festive lights? Uswitch investigates.

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Celebrity Christmas recipes: whose recipe costs the most time and money?

Discover the time and costs of the most popular celebrity chefs Christmas dinner recipes, from Nigella Lawson to Ottolenghi

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Revealed: The carbon footprint of trending food and drink

Discover the carbon footprint of the top trending food and drink items to help you reduce your impact on the planet.

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Low-maintenance plants and how to care for them

Gardening data reveals the plants that require the least amount of maintenance.

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Ethical Beauty Brands Influence Report

Analysing 45 of the most popular UK make-up brands, we reveal which are the most sustainable, and which influencers are earning the most money

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Battle of the Brands: best supermarket own-brand vegan ranges ranked

Uswitch has analysed the own-brand vegan ranges from eight different supermarkets to reveal which have the most choice.

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The world’s most sustainable cities

From green space through to public transport, air quality and energy sources, we look at the world’s most sustainable cities and what makes them so successful.

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The Pump to Plug Report

These places are geared up and ready to embrace electric vehicles

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Green garages: How eco-friendly are the cars of the rich and famous?

Taking 50 cars of the world’s richest people, we analysed their CO2 emissions to reveal which ones are the most eco friendly.

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Disney villains vs. princesses: Who's the most eco-friendly of them all?

Mirror, mirror, on the wall - who is the most eco-friendly of them all? Uswitch analyses the actions of Disney's most iconic characters to discover who has the most sustainable lifestyle. Find out how each character stacks up against its rival in a game of Top Trumps.

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