Chapter One

Bills & Utilities Hacks

Hack 1: Lock in a Cheaper Energy Deal (Fixed Tariff & Direct Debit)

Many households are still on expensive default (variable) energy tariffs. Ofgem notes that switching to a fixed-rate deal can save over £200/year compared to staying on the standard cap (tariffofgem.gov.ukreuters.com). Similarly, paying by Direct Debit instead of traditional methods can cut bills by around £135/year (ofgem.gov.uk).

Action steps:

Check your current plan. Is your supplier charging the price-cap rate? If so, use an authorized comparison site (Ofgem-approved lists or tools like Uswitch/Citizens Advice) to find a cheaper fixed deal.

Compare fixed tariffs. Fixed deals lock in a set rate for 1–2 years, often below the cap. Ofgem and energy providers (e.g. Octopus Energy) highlight that many fixed deals are cheaper than the variable (capoctopus.energyofgem.gov.uk). Get quotes online or via (Moneysaving Expert’s Cheap Energy Club); look for deals at or below £1,720–1,755/year for a dual-fuel home.

Switch provider or tariff. With the new One-Touch Switch system, your new supplier can handle (moveofcom.org.uk). You’ll get information on any exit fees first. Schedule the switch at the end of your current contract to avoid penalties.

Set up Direct Debit. Call your supplier to pay by Direct Debit; it’s required for the cap and typically earns a ~5% discount (e.g. £135/year savings,{ofgem.gov.uk}).

Follow up. Once switched, monitor your bills. A successful switch and DD setup can cut an average bill by dozens of pounds per month (often £10–20/m, i.e. £120–240/year).................................  READ MORE