Check, Track and Change: How to prepare for the 1st October energy price cap and winter
Natalie Mathie, energy expert at Uswitch.com, said: “The cost of energy for those on standard variable tariffs is going down on 1st October. Unfortunately though, most households will face similar, or in some cases more expensive, energy bills compared to last winter because there is now no Government bill support available.
“Rates are also predicted to rise again in January, just when households use more energy to heat their homes.
“If you don’t have a smart meter, it’s important to submit regular meter readings to your supplier – especially when rates change – to ensure you’re charged correctly for the amount of gas and electricity you’ve used.
“There are steps you can take now to stay in control of your energy bills ahead of winter. For example, with the heating switched off for the last six months, you don’t want to wait until the first freezing cold day to discover that there’s a problem with your boiler or radiators - so bleed them now and think about getting a boiler service.
“Remember that the price you pay is determined by how much energy you use. The more you use, the more you’ll pay. This means it’s more important than ever to keep an eye on your energy usage and submit regular meter readings.”
Uswitch.com offers tips to prepare for winter energy bills
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CHECK
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1. Check your meter readings up to date. If you don’t have a smart meter, ensure that you regularly submit meter readings to your supplier. This keeps your bills accurate and lets your supplier modify your direct debit to match your usage. Submitting a meter reading just before the rates change will ensure you’re charged the correct amount for the energy you’ve used.
2. Check your monthly direct debit payments reflect your actual use and inform your provider if not. This will prevent you from paying too much or too little. Any credit you’ve built up over the summer will be used over the winter months, which is usually when your usage exceeds your monthly direct debits.
3. Check if any new deals are available to you by running a comparison. There are currently fixed deals on offer that may be priced close to or slightly higher than standard variable tariffs, but they offer peace of mind that your rates will not change for 12 months. Run a comparison at Uswitch.com to see personalised options based on your usage and region.
4. Check whether you qualify for energy support schemes or grants. The Government runs the Warm Home Discount scheme, which provides £150 in energy credit to help with bills during the winter and has recently introduced the Great British Insulation Scheme. Councils also offer the Household Support Fund. Many suppliers have customer support funds offering home insulation and energy-efficient white goods.
5. Check if your boiler is working. Many of us have had our heating switched off for six months or so, and you don’t want to wait for the first sudden drop in temperatures to discover your boiler isn’t working. Consider getting it serviced if you haven’t had one in the last 12 months. If you have an older boiler, you may want to consider boiler cover.
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TRACK
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1. Track your usage. Energy prices are still high, and usage increases over the colder months when the heating comes on. You can monitor how much energy you’re using by downloading Utrack – a free mobile app that connects to your smart meter – which offers insights into your energy spend, tips on cutting bills and gives you opportunities to earn money in energy-saving schemes.
2. Keep track of what’s happening in the energy market. Although rates are dropping on the 1st of October, they’re predicted to rise again in January so it’s wise 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 a comparison to see if it’s the best option for you.
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CHANGE
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1. 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 18oC. Reducing the flow rate on combination boilers to around 60°C can cut heating bills, and you won’t notice the difference.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
Track your energy usage with Utrack by Uswitch here.
About Uswitch
Uswitch is one of the UK’s top comparison websites for home services switching, including energy, broadband and mobiles.
More people go to Uswitch to switch their energy, broadband and mobile than any other site, and we have saved consumers over £2.7 billion off their bills since we launched in September 2000.
Free mobile app Utrack also helps households manage their home energy usage and make potential savings.
Uswitch is part of RVU, a group of online brands with a mission to empower consumers to make more confident home services, insurance and financial decisions.