With the rising need to go green and save money, above half of the total households in the UK are seeking ways to improve their living standard by getting better energy deals. Aside from exercising your power to choose alternative energy plans and getting an energy provider with better tariffs, your energy consumption rate matters as well.
This entails how much electricity and gas you consume per time via your appliances. There is no one-size-fits-all energy plan, as each household consumption rate is different. To save more money on your energy bills, you need to become more energy efficient.
Here are some ways to achieve such a goal:
- Insulate your home.
- Switch off your electrical and gas appliances when not in use.
- Use more household power savers to cut down energy consumption.
- Do your laundry under low temperatures.
- Manage your heating and cooling gadgets.
Another way you can improve energy efficiency is to compare energy deals, especially if you’ve been on a tariff for too long. You may be missing out on better energy plans.
List Of Available Tariffs
There are three types of energy tariffs to choose from: standard variable rate tariff, fixed rate tariff, and prepaid tariff.
Standard Variable Rate Tariff: The standard variable rate tariff is the default plan energy providers offer to their customers.
This includes new tenants occupying rented properties. It is the most expensive due to the change in the cost per unit of energy, which occurs twice a year – a regulation put in place by the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem).
Fixed Rate Tariff: Homeowners on the fixed rate tariff get to enjoy a fixed cost on energy consumption throughout the contract period. This is beneficial for many households, as they do not need to worry about paying higher fees should the general price increase.
However, if there is a drop in energy prices, then these individuals will be on the losing side. However, the energy bill may not be the same every month as the household will be charged based on the energy consumed.
Most energy providers have an exit fee in place should the subscriber decide to leave the tariff.
Prepaid Tariff: With a prepaid tariff you can make payments in advance for your gas or/and electricity usage, using the energy provider’s website or a prepayment meter installed in your home.
Prepaid tariffs can be quite expensive sometimes, but helps households manage energy consumption.
How Do I Compare Prices?
Energy comparison helps you determine what tariff and energy provider suits you best. To begin with, you need to contact an energy consultant, an example being USave – check out USave energy deals for amazing tariffs that meet your needs.
You will need to provide information on your postcode and address, present energy provider, energy consumption rate, and tariff (energy bill). The consultant will provide you with a list of energy suppliers and tariffs.
Once you have completed this stage, your new provider will send you a welcome package and contact your current provider to finalize the switch. You will be given a 14-day cooling period to make up your mind. Within 21 days, the switch will be completed.
Note that your energy supply will not be affected during this period. The only change you will notice is that of your supplier’s name. You can keep enjoying gas and electricity at a better tariff.