Make sure you’re on the best deal when it comes to your gas and electricity. Different suppliers will have different rates and prices. But if you shop around, you might find a cheaper deal that suits you.

Whether you want to see what’s out there or find a better deal, check out our guide on what you need to know:

Prepare

You will need to have at hand some information as you start to look for a new deal:

  • Your address and postcode.
  • Your current supplier and how much energy you use. This will be in Kwh and you can find out how much you use on your bills. If you don’t know how much energy you use, check out this guide on how to estimate your energy use.
  • Have your bills at hand. These should say the kind of tariff you’re on at the moment.

Where to look

Online price comparison websites are the best place to find a new deal. These websites put together different suppliers and show you what they will charge based on the details you have entered.

Don’t be afraid to contact your current supplier as well. You may be able to find a better deal with them without having to move.

What tariff to choose

There will be different tariffs available to you and the type of tariff you choose will be up to you. You will need to see which tariff will be beneficial to you.

Two main tariffs you may be offered is a Fixed or Variable tariff.

A Fixed tariff sets the amount of gas and electricity you pay for a set period. This means that you might pay less than others but if prices drop further, you will pay more.

A Variable tariff means that the price you pay could go up or down depending on how your supplier has set their prices for different times of the year.

Some suppliers offer a Duel Fuel tariff which may give you a better deal if you pay for both your gas and electricity through the same supplier.

Find out more about the different tariffs that could be available to you.

How to pay

How you pay for your gas and electricity will depend on your circumstances and what you feel comfortable with.

The easiest way to pay is through a direct debit. Paying by direct debit means that you don’t have to worry about arranging a payment every month. Some suppliers may also provide a discount if you pay by direct debit. This is also the case if you manage your account and payments online.

You will need a bank account to set up a direct debit. Find out more information about opening a bank account.

You can also pay at your bank or post office with the bill you receive. You can usually do this by cash or cheque.

If you’re on a budget, you can pay for your gas and electricity with a prepayment meter. Find out more about pre-pay meters.

Ways to save

Once you have a new deal in place, there are different ways you can save more throughout your home.

Check out our money-saving tips on reducing your energy bills.

Manage your money

Even if you have been able to get a cheaper deal, managing your money is important to help you keep on track with all your other finances.

We have a host of money management advice, from money-saving tips to budget planners. Find out more ways to save on money matters.