Understand your energy usage
Understanding what you are using energy on will put you in control of your bills, and allow you to spend money on the things are are important to you and your family.
To better understand your energy usage you can:
Do a meter reading every time you get a bill
Every time you get a bill, take a meter reading and contact your energy supplier with it.
Energy suppliers will give you an estimate of how much energy you’ve used, but they are often wrong. If they have under-estimated how much you’ve used, you'll have a big bill to pay at the end of the year. If they have over-estimated you’ll end up paying more each month.
If the bill is wrong, your supplier should change your bill. You should also change your direct debit amount by speaking to your bank or credit union.
Alternatively, you could get a smart meter, which automatically sends your meter readings to your energy provider, giving you accurate bills and saving you time.
Get a smart meter
Smart meters are the new generation of gas and electricity meters being rolled out across Britain.
They show you how much energy you are using in pounds and pence, so you can know exactly where your spending is going.
Smart meters give you accurate bills, reflecting the energy you actually use.
Don't worry about the energy usage showing on your display screen, it is normal for this to fluctuate throughout the day. If seeing the display screen makes you anxious, you can choose not to use it and you will still get accurate billing, as long as the smart meter remains installed.
Visit our smart meter page for more information.
Insulate your home
Insulating and draught-proofing your home will significantly reduce heat loss, reducing your energy bills.
Check out these draught-proofing tips from Simple Energy Advice to keep your home warm.
You can also use our Solve an issue tool to find helpful advice around topics to help keep your home warm such as how to bleed your radiator, how to pressurise your boiler and how to use a night storage heater.
Check out the Warm Home Discount scheme
If you’re on a low income, you might be able to get a discount of £150 on your energy bills through the Government’s Warm Home Discount.
Get free loft insulation
Good loft insulation can save you up to £150 on your fuel bill, according to British Gas. You can claim free loft insulation if you are on certain benefits or tax credits, or if you live in low-income areas.
Be bill savvy
Dual fuel isn’t always the cheapest option
Dual fuel means you get your gas and electricity from the same company. It’s often cheaper than signing up to separate gas and electric companies, but not always. Citizens Advice help you to compare costs and find the cheapest option.
Pay by monthly direct debit
Setting up direct debit payments with your bank or credit union could save you 5-10% on your bills. Having a direct debit payment means your bills are paid automatically every month. Because companies know you won't miss a payment they will often charge you less. If there are any overpayments, the company will pay you back at the end of the year.
Switch to online billing
Energy companies may offer online billing/tariffs. This means you get your bills emailed to you instead of posted.
Avoid pre-payment meters if you can
They may cost more than paying by direct debit. Find out if you can switch to a credit meter, or credit mode on your SMART meter.
A smart meter puts you in control of your bills.
Access financial support
Take a look at the Keep Warm Keep Well leaflet produced by the government. This contains information about financial help and benefits available for over 60s, low-income families, and people living with a disability to help keep their homes warm. You can also use the grants search tool online to find grants available to you.
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We understand that sometimes you may need extra support. Find out how a grant could help you and how to apply on our Grants page.
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If you receive a state pension you may receive the Winter Fuel Payment which is worth between £100 and £300.
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Between the 1 November and 31 March people claiming certain benefits will receive a payment of £25 if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees Celsius or below for 7 consecutive days. Check if you can get a payment in your area.
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This one-off payment gives eligible older and low-income consumers £150 off their energy bill.
You can check if you are eligible online, and also find out what to do if you think you are eligible but did not get a letter.
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No matter which energy company you are with - if you’re struggling with your bills, you are not alone. British Gas Energy Trust are an independent charitable trust set up to support families and individuals facing financial hardship and energy debt across England, Wales and Scotland.
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If you’re buying fuel in bulk, Lendology can help you spread the cost over the winter.
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The Household Support Fund is available until the end of September 2022 and is designed to help the most vulnerable households deal with rising cost of essentials.
If you want to find out what help is available in your area through the Household Support Fund, contact your local council. You can locate your council using the GOV.UK council finder.
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You may be able to get a payment to help with the cost of living if you’re getting certain benefits or tax credits.
If you’re eligible, you’ll be paid automatically in the same way you usually get your benefit or tax credits.
Find out more on the Government website.
Helpful factsheets
Energy advice
For information and resources to help you manage your energy bills, visit our Energy Advice page.
Need help with your water bill?
There are lots of ways you can save water at home, which can reduce your bills if you have a water meter.
Your water supplier may be able to help you if you are struggling to pay your bills.
Contact your water supplier to find out what support they offer.