How to prepare for a price cap update

Uswitch is encouraging customers to get into a "Check, Track and Change" mentality before every price cap update, whether the level is going up or down.

The next price cap update is due to come into effect on 1 April 2024. It will reduce from £1,928 to £1,690 per year for an average use household paying by Direct Debit.

Check

Check what new deals are available to you by running a comparison

As of March 2024, there are fixed deals on offer that are priced below the April price cap. They offer peace of mind that your rates will not change for 12 months. Compare energy prices by entering your postcode below.

Run an energy comparison

Enter your postcode below to compare energy prices and get started on your energy switch.

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Check your meter readings are up to date 

If you don’t have a smart meter, regularly take meter readings (especially the day before the new price cap level comes into effect) and submit them to your supplier. This makes sure your bill is accurate, and lets your supplier modify your direct debit to match your usage. 

Check that your monthly direct debit payments reflect your actual use and inform your provider if not 

This ensures you’re paying the right amount for your usage. Any credit you’ve built up over the summer can be used over the winter months, which tends to be when your usage exceeds your monthly direct debits. 

Check what energy support schemes or grants you, or any vulnerable friends or relatives, may qualify for 

If you are struggling with your bills, there may be help available depending on your circumstances. The government runs the Warm Home Discount scheme, where those eligible can receive £150 to help with bills during the winter, in addition to the Great British Insulation Scheme. Councils are also offering help through the Household Support Fund, and many suppliers also have their own customer support funds.

Check if your boiler is working

It's not ideal to discover your boiler isn’t working once the temperature drops suddenly. Consider getting it serviced if you haven’t had done so in the last 12 months. If you have an older boiler, you may want to consider boiler cover.

Track

Track your usage 

Although bills are generally lower in the summer, energy prices are still extremely high. It’s worth monitoring how much energy you’re using by downloading Utrack, Uswitch's free mobile app that connects to your smart meter to provide regular insights into your energy spend. It also includes useful tips on how to cut usage.

Track energy market news

The energy market remains unpredictable, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your energy tariff options. Whether you’re offered a tariff from your supplier or you find a new fixed deal, it’s worth running an energy comparison to see if it’s the best option for you. You can also sign up to deal alerts from Uswitch when you compare energy prices.

Change

Change your thermostat and boiler settings

Check the temperature on your thermostat and adjust it if required. The World Health Organisation suggests most healthy people should heat their homes to 18°C. Reducing the flow rate on combination boilers to around 60°C can cut heating bills, and you won’t notice the difference. 

Change your radiator settings

Get ahead of the first cold spell by checking if your radiators are up to scratch. Bleeding your radiators will prevent cold spots, and you may want to consider turning radiator valves down – or off – in the rooms you use less often. Keep your radiators free from obstructions, like furniture, for maximum heat.

Change the way you use your appliances

Tracking your usage may help you see how changing some habits can make a difference in your home. Whether that’s setting your wash cycle at a lower temperature or eco mode, ditching the tumble dryer, or running the dishwasher only with a full load, small changes may have a big impact on your next meter reading.

Change your door seals and window dressings

Draught-proofing is a quick and cost-effective way to prevent heat escaping, which could save you around £50 a year. Fitting door seals between doors and frames, attaching brushes under draughty external doors and using chimney balloons all keep the heat in. Thermal and lined curtains also prevent heat loss.