Energy Guides

Read our guides for home energy consumers

Our expert journalists have been busy compiling useful guides for your home energy needs. Get the lowdown on energy efficiency, tariffs, switching suppliers and more below.

Energy guides

Energy giants need a wake-up call

Britain’s energy giants are under pressure from smaller competitors, and under fire from the regulator, but will they mend their ways?

The four killer facts you won’t find on your annual energy statement

Annual energy statements were introduced to help you switch tariffs and make sure you’re on the best deal. But do they really help?

Fixed energy deal coming to an end? Tips for your next deal

If you’re nearing the end of your fixed energy deal, we tell you what you should do next to prepare to get the best deal.

Energy bills: How much will the cold snap cost me?

The cold snap has forced millions of people to crank up their heating, but what effect will this have on energy bills?

Annual energy statements explained

From December 2010 we’ll all be getting an annual statement from our energy suppliers with information on how to save money.

Track your energy usage for free with Google PowerMeter

Google PowerMeter is a new way to monitor your energy consumption and save money on your energy bills, but how exactly does it work?

Energy Performance Certificates explained

The new government has finally sounded the death knell for Home Information Packs (HIPS) in a bid to save home movers time and money, but Energy Performance Certificates are here to stay.

Will Ofgem force energy companies to lower their prices?

Ofgem has slapped down the “big six” energy suppliers for bamboozling the public. But what does this mean for those facing huge bills? And how can you make sure you’re not ripped-off?

When will energy prices fall?

Gas and electricity prices across Britain increased at twice the rate of Europe’s average over the past year (29.7% compared with 15%), and while wholesale prices have dropped, energy bills have remained high.

Complete guide to energy efficiency

A comprehensive guide to energy efficiency in your home, designed to help you make those all important efficient changes to your home, and your lifestyle.

Energy regulators

If you have a problem that can’t be solved directly with your energy provider, or want to make a complaint about your gas and electricity provider, you’ll need to get in touch with one of the energy regulators.

Energy Guides

Our energy guides cover everything from choosing an energy tariff and switching suppliers to energy efficiency and cutting your bills.

Moving house: Sort out your energy supply in four easy steps

There are a lot of things to remember when you move house, but cancelling and setting up your gas and electricity accounts should be a high priority.

Are energy prices going up or down?

What’s in store for our energy bills this winter? And how can you ensure your energy bills are as cheap as possible?

Energy payment methods

You can save up to hundreds of pounds on your annual energy bills by switching your energy supplier, but did you know that the way you pay also makes a considerable difference.

Energy price rises

Wholesale energy prices for 2008 increased from last year by 66% for electricity, and 60% for gas. This rise in wholesale prices has affected energy suppliers’ prices.

Student energy guide

Off to Uni soon? All of a sudden, it’s down to you to manage household utilities like gas and electricity bills, which can involve a steep learning curve. Read our guide to get a head start.

Energy Ombudsman

If you’re having problems with your energy supplier that cannot be solved directly with your provider, the Energy Ombudsman might be able to help.

10 top tips to reduce energy bills

According to recent research*, as a nation we waste around £6million worth of energy every year, meaning for every £3 spent on heating your home, £1 is wasted through poor energy efficiency.