Uswitch urges households to submit meter readings before 1st January energy price change
Natalie Mathie, energy expert at Uswitch.com, said: “The cost of energy for households on standard variable tariffs is going up on 1st January, which means energy bills are likely to be the highest they’ve ever been for most homes this winter.
“With costs increasing at the coldest time of year, households should take some steps beforehand to ensure they are accurately charged for the energy they have used in the past three months.
“Households without a smart meter should submit their readings to their supplier on or around 31st December. This will ensure your usage from December will be charged under the cheaper rates, and not the more expensive January prices.
“Remember that the size of your bill 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.
“Households who would like more price certainty over the winter months should see what fixed deals are available on a comparison site like Uswitch.”
Uswitch.com offers tips to prepare for winter energy bills
CHECK
1. Check your meter readings are up to date. If you don’t have a smart meter, submit regular 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 — on or around December 31st — will ensure you’re charged the correct amount for the energy you’ve used in recent months.
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 continue to 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. Fixed deals can offer peace of mind that your rates will not change for 12 months. Run a comparison at Uswitch.com to see energy tariffs 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 also 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.
TRACK
1. Track your usage. Energy prices are still high, and usage increases over the colder months when we heat our homes. 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. It is still worthwhile keeping 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.
CHANGE
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 18°C. 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. 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.