Top tips to cut costs before your energy bills spike

Date:
Fri, 13 Aug 2021 10:59:39 +0000

Description:
Act now to save on your energy bills before the new price cap comes into effect

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This autumn, 15 million households across the UK will see the cost of their energy bills rise by up to 153 when the new price cap comes into effect.

However, although energy bills are set to rise by 139 a year on average from
1 October, you can cut costs right now by following these four simple tips. Online energy comparison: find the best deals in your area now 1. Switch your supplier

Across the country, 11 million homes are signed up to standard variable tariffs (SVTs). In October, the price of these will increase by upwards of
12% when the current price cap rises from 1,138 to 1,277.

If youd like to avoid this price hike, then the easiest way of doing so is to run an online energy comparison and switch supplier today. When you run an online energy comparison, youll be shown all the best energy deals in your area from the countrys best energy suppliers . If you choose a fixed-term tariff from this list, then youll be able to lock into a great deal for the next 12 or 24 months.

At present, its estimated that people who switch supplier can save up to 200 annually. However, wholesale prices are now starting to be reflected in the price of new tariffs. As a result, the sooner you make the switch, the more youre likely to save. 2. Check whether youre eligible for help

Most major UK energy suppliers have agreed to offer assistance to those who need it most during the cold winter months. So, if youre concerned about the spiralling cost of your energy bills, then its well worth checking whether youre eligible for any support from your supplier, a charity or a government initiative. Examples of support available to customers includes: Affordable debt repayment plans Payment breaks Emergency credit (if youre using a pre-payment meter) The Warm Home Discount 3. Follow these energy saving tips

The average household now spends 1,254 on their energy bills. However, by taking some straightforward energy saving steps , youll find it easy to save money on this expense.

For example, if you turn off all your appliances at the plug, you will save around 30 a year on your electricity bills. Similarly, if you turn down your heating by just one degree, you could save a further 80 annually. On top of this, installing room thermostats, programmers and thermostatic radiator valves will save you another 75 each year. 4. Invest in green home improvements

Finally, if youre interested in lowering your energy bills in the longer
term, then consider what green improvements you could make to your home. Although many of these improvements will involve an upfront expense, all of them will save you money in the long term and will help protect the planet.

For example, upgrading a G-rated boiler to one with an A rating can save you up to 300 per year, while taking out your homes single glazing and replacing it with double glazing could save you a further 110 every year.

If youre really interested in saving the planet and cutting your energy
bills, then you could add solar panels to your home. With this change, not only will you save money on your energy bills, but you could even be paid for the energy you generate.

Find the best energy deal for your home

TechRadar has partnered with MoneySupermarket to help you find the best
energy deals in your area. Our energy comparison tool takes less than five minutes to use, and could save you hundreds on your energy bills. Save money now



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/news/top-tips-to-cut-costs-before-your-energy-bills- spike/


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