We search the UK energy market to find the best deals for your business.
At Sensible, we've partnered with the biggest providers in the UK to offer you the best possible deals when it comes to business energy.
As countries began to recover from the pandemic, there was a surge in the demand for gas. However, due to the supply shortage, this demand could not be met, which resulted in an increase in gas prices. Additionally, the invasion of Ukraine by Russia created a threat to gas supplies, further exacerbating the situation and causing an even higher increase in prices.
Although the duration of the UK energy crisis is uncertain, we are closely monitoring the situation. Our goal is to assist you in securing competitive energy deals during this challenging time.
Learn MoreMost appliances can be easily turned off at the plug without affecting their settings. Alternatively, you may consider investing in a standby saver or smart plug that enables you to switch off all appliances at once.
However, it is recommended to refer to the user manual of any appliance if you are unsure about whether it can be turned off at the plug. For example, some satellite and digital TV recorders need to remain plugged in. Identify the appliances that consume the most energy in your household to help reduce your overall energy consumption.
A huge amount can be saved by paying more attention to the cycles you are using on the washing machine and avoiding the use of tumble dryers. This may include using your washing machine on a 30-degree cycle instead of higher temperatures and drying clothes on racks inside where possible or outside in warmer weather.
The cost of operating a tumble dryer is influenced by the type of machine purchased. However, it’s estimated a tumble dryer typically consumes approximately 5.34 kWh of energy per cycle on average.
Shutting your curtains and blinds at night can prevent the loss of warm air through windows, leading to lower heating expenses, particularly if you have radiators beneath them.
Hiring a professional to carry out draught-proofing on your windows, doors, and floors, could save you around £125 per year on your energy bills. On the other hand, opting for DIY draught proofing can be a more affordable alternative.
You can easily monitor your hourly energy consumption if you have a smart meter installed in your home. By using an app connected to your smart meter you can gain valuable insights into your energy usage patterns over a period of days, weeks, months, or even years. You can then see where you may be using more energy than necessary and take steps to reduce your usage, thereby saving on your energy bills in a safe and manageable way. Moreover, using these apps can also help you set energy-saving goals and track your progress toward achieving them.
To enhance energy efficiency and decrease heating costs, consider lowering the flow temperature of your combi boiler to 60°C. The flow temperature refers to the temperature of the water that the boiler supplies to the radiators. It's important to note that reducing the flow temperature differs from decreasing the thermostat setting and won't noticeably affect your home's temperature. That said, it might result in a minor delay in attaining the desired temperature on your thermostat.
To improve energy efficiency and save on heating costs, consider turning down the radiators in rooms that are not in use or those that are used less frequently. When using a room, adjust the radiator valve to increase the temperature to a comfortable level.
Completely turning off radiators in unused rooms is not the most energy-efficient option since it requires the boiler to work harder to increase the temperature again.
It's important to note that certain individuals, such as those over 65, children under 5, and people with pre-existing health conditions, are more susceptible to the adverse effects of cold temperatures. Thus, it's crucial to maintain a minimum indoor temperature of 18°C to ensure comfort and protect your health.
A Winter Fuel Payment is a one-off, tax-free payment made to households with at least one member who has reached the age of pension eligibility.
If your birthdate falls on or before 26th September 1956, you may receive financial assistance of £250 to £600 to assist you in paying your heating expenses, which is commonly referred to as the 'Winter Fuel Payment.' This sum includes an extra amount called the 'Pensioner Cost of Living Payment,' which ranges from £150 to £300. You will receive this additional amount in both the winters of 2023 to 2024, in addition to any other Cost of Living Payments you may receive from your benefits or tax credits.
The UK government provides Cold Weather Payments to those receiving specific state benefits during winter seasons of exceptionally cold weather.
If you meet certain eligibility criteria, you may be entitled to receive Cold Weather Payments. These payments are available to people who receive Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Universal Credit, or Support for Mortgage Interest. However, it's worth noting that if you live in Scotland, you won't be able to receive Cold Weather Payments. Instead, you may be eligible for an annual Winter Heating Payment. It's important to understand your eligibility for these payments and take advantage of them if you qualify, as they can help you manage the additional costs of heating your home during cold weather.
The Warm Home Discount scheme has been set up to give some help to those who are potentially struggling to pay their energy bills during the cold winter months.
Under the Warm Home Discount Scheme, you may receive a £150 deduction on your electricity bill for the winter season of 2022 to 2023. This is a one-time discount and not a direct payment. If your supplier provides both gas and electricity, you may also qualify for the discount on your gas bill. You can contact your supplier to learn more about your eligibility. It's important to note that this discount will not impact any other financial assistance you may receive, such as the Cold Weather Payment or Winter Fuel Payment.
Designed to combat fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions, the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is a government-led energy efficiency scheme.
To promote energy efficiency among low-income and vulnerable households, the ECO scheme enforces a Home Heating Cost Reduction Obligation (HHCRO) on medium and large energy suppliers. Obligated suppliers must support measures that enhance the ability of fuel-poor households to heat their homes, which includes installing insulation or upgrading heating systems to decrease energy consumption.
Switching your gas and electricity provider can bring about several advantages, including access to better energy deals, improved customer service, and the availability of greener energy options. By comparing energy plans from different suppliers, you can find a tariff that suits your specific needs, offers more affordable energy rates, and ultimately saves you money.
Some suppliers may offer better customer service features, such as online account management, 24/7 customer support, and a more seamless billing process.
Opting for a supplier that offers greener energy options, like renewable energy, can help you reduce your carbon footprint and contribute towards a more sustainable future.
Discover the Best DealsTo change your energy provider, the essential information required includes the current cost of your gas and electricity services and the name of your existing supplier. Additionally, you will need to provide basic information such as your address and postcode.
No matter which energy supplier you use, the gas and electricity supply to your home will remain the same. The only things that will change are the company that sends you bills and the energy rate that you are charged.
Ofgem has declared that the price cap will undergo quarterly reviews, replacing biannual reviews. As a result, the price cap is scheduled to change in 2023, with evaluations planned to take place in January, April, July, and October.
If you opt for a "fixed price" energy plan, it means that the cost per unit of gas and electricity will remain unchanged throughout the plan's term. Conversely, a variable rate energy plan means that the energy prices can fluctuate during the duration of the plan.
Whatever you decide to do, ensure that you notify your current energy provider before changing, with a minimum of 48 hours' advance notice. It is necessary to provide them with your new address and meter readings on your moving day so that they can generate a final bill for the property.
It's most effective to compare like-for-like offers. While a variable rate plan may appear cheaper than a fixed rate plan based on present prices, this might not be the case if the variable rate increases in the future. Therefore, a fixed rate plan could ultimately turn out to be the more cost-effective option.
Choosing an energy supplier goes beyond just opting for the cheapest tariff. It's important to select a plan that aligns with your household's needs, lifestyle, and preferences. With a huge array of suppliers available, it's vital to take the time to research and discover which supplier could cater to your requirements.
For instance, you might need a fixed-energy tariff for a stable rate throughout the year. Alternatively, if your household does not use gas, an electricity-only tariff may be the better option.
Our comprehensive comparison process will help you identify the right supplier and the most suitable deal that caters to your specific energy requirements.