An energy expert has weighed in on a quick and easy step to save households £315 a year on their bills – but it’s got to be done fast. The constant hike in the costs for basic necessities like heating and electricity are a major concern for many people across the country, especially now the cold weather is well underway.
Sadly, energy prices have increased again, this time by 2% in line with the October price cap. Ofgem states: “From 1 October to 31 December 2025 the price for energy for a typical household who use electricity and gas and pay by Direct Debit will go up by 2% to £1,755 per year.
“However, compared to the start of 2023, this is £625 (26.3%) lower than when the energy crisis was at its peak.” This still leaves people feeling the pinch and looking for ways to reduce their bills, with many turning to social media looking for answers.
On Reddit, people have been open about the true cost of their energy bills, with prices varying dramatically.
With this in mind, Stephen Hankinson, energy efficiency expert at Electric Radiators Direct has shared how much could be saved by simply switching energy providers – as well as the exact date to do so.
The expert said: “If you’re looking to save money on your energy bills this winter, switching energy suppliers can be one of the quickest and most effective ways to do it. The exact saving, of course, depends on how much energy you use and what tariff you’re on.
“Between the 1st October and the 31st December, the energy price cap is set at £1,755 per year for a typical household.
“However, some energy companies are offering tariffs that are up to 18% cheaper than the cap, which would mean up to £315 off your annual price cap bill.”
The expert advises that if you’re unsure what tariff you’re on or when it’ll come to an end, just check a recent bill or log in to your online account as it should be “clearly listed”.
Once you know what’s what, you’ll be able to compare deals to secure a better rate.
Stephen continued: “If you’ve been on the same tariff for over a year, you might have been put on a standard variable tariff, which is often one of the most expensive. These are the default tariffs that suppliers put you on when your fixed deal ends.
“Fixed rate tariffs can often be the best choice, because you pay the same every month, even if energy prices increase.”
The expert stresses the best time to switch is when you’re “coming to the end of a fixed-rate deal”.
For those who organised a one-year fixed deal in November 2024, “now is the perfect time”.
Stephen added: “If you can find a fixed deal less than the October price cap or even less than the 2% increase, you will be saving money on your energy bill.
“Energy providers are required to notify you when your contract is finishing, and if you’re within 49 days of the end date, you can switch without paying any exit fees.
“If you have just signed up to a new fixed tariff, make a note in your calendar of when you are 49 days away from the end date, as you can then start searching for the best deals again.”
It’s a relatively simple process to switch energy providers and “shouldn’t take longer than five working days”. Your energy supply won’t be interrupted either, “meaning you don’t have to worry about feeling cold in the meantime”.
