Check there is nothing causing the rise in price

Sometimes a faulty appliance, a broken meter or simple human error can impact the result of your bill. To rule any of these out, this is how to check:

• Switch off all the appliances in your home, then go out and check to see if the meter is ticking over or registering any gas or electric at all. If it is continuing to move then this means the meter is likely faulty.
• If the meter doesn’t move, go back into your home and turn on each appliance one by one, checking the meter after each one. If the meter moves or ticks over quickly, this may mean you have a faulty appliance on your hands.
• Check that you’re reading your meter correctly, and that you understand your tariff. You’d be surprised how often misinterpreting where the decimal point belongs can result in incorrect reporting and larger than expected bills!

Try to use less energy

Easier said than done but small changes can make a big difference. According to the Energy Saving Trust, you could save £30 a year simply by turning appliances off at the wall rather than leaving them on standby mode when not in use. You may need to leave devices such as your Wi-Fi or satellite box on, as well as essentials like your fridge and freezer, but anything else can be turned off and unplugged when you’re not using it.

If you think you’re already doing everything you can to keep your energy bills down, think outside the box! Our Good Vibes guide has some unusual but effective suggestions! For example, spending a minute less in the shower each day could also knock £7 off your water bill each year per person in your household.

Have a smart meter installed

Energy suppliers have been gradually rolling out smart meters over the last few years. You may have been offered one by your supplier already and have opted out, but you can re-consider your choice if you change your mind. Having a smart meter installed allows you to carefully monitor how much energy you’re using day by day, so you can identify which times of day and days of the week are the most expensive for you and look for opportunities to cut costs. Smart meters also report your meter readings back to your energy supplier automatically, eliminating any opportunity for missed communication or human error.

Consider switching energy supplier or tariff

You can avoid costly bills by reducing the amount your energy costs overall. The vast majority of people never switch energy provider and so are missing out on the savings to be had from switching. Use a comparison site to look around and find an energy supplier that provides what you need, for less. You might also be able to make bigger savings by signing up to an Economy 7 tariff, where you receive different rates for the electricity you use during the day, and that which you use overnight. Make the most of Economy 7 rates by running electricity-hungry appliances like a storage heater, dishwasher, washing machine and tumble dryer during the cheaper overnight period, and avoid running them during the daytime.

Look into benefits and grants available

There are a range of grants and cost-saving benefits schemes available, we’ve listed some of these below. Look into them to determine if you are eligible to save some money when it comes to your energy.

1. The Winter Fuel Payment – This is an annual one-off payment of £100 to £300 to cover the cost of heating during the winter and is available to those born on or before the 5th August 1953. Find out more here.
2. Warm Home Discount Scheme – This scheme may be available if you are on a low income or receiving the guarantee credit element of Pension Credit. Not all suppliers offer this scheme but if you are eligible and your supplier can help, you could enjoy a saving of £140 on your electricity bill.
3. See if your energy supplier offers grants – Certain suppliers provide grants via a charitable trust to help you pay your bills and British Gas, E.on, EDF, npower and Scottish Power offer this.
4. Cold Weather Payments – If the average temperature in your area is forecasted to be below zero degrees for seven consecutive days, between November and March, you can apply for Cold Weather Payments which are a one-off payment to help you pay higher bills. Those who receive Income Support, Pension Credit, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Universal Credit or income-related Employment and Support Allowance are eligible to apply.