Suppliers, bills and meters

Understanding your energy bill, switching supplier, meters, the price cap, and how to complain when things go wrong.

Reviewed: 28 October 2026
Official sources referenced

Energy is a competitive market with strong consumer protections, but bills can be confusing and mistakes happen. Knowing how the system works — the price cap, meters, switching and your right to complain — puts you in control.

The price cap and your bill

If you’re on a standard variable tariff, Ofgem’s price cap limits the unit rates and standing charge you pay, and it’s reviewed every three months. It caps the rates, not your total bill — how much you pay still depends on how much you use. Sending regular meter readings (or using a smart meter) keeps your bills accurate and avoids nasty estimated catch-up charges. Budget 2026 announced that the standing charge on household gas bills is to be scrapped (aiming for the end of 2027) and that VAT on household electricity stays at 0% until July 2027 — see our energy-bill support page.

Meters and switching

You can ask your supplier for a smart meter, though you don’t have to have one. You’re also free to switch supplier or tariff to get a better deal; comparing tariffs takes minutes. If you’re struggling to pay, your supplier must offer an affordable payment plan — and there’s more help on our energy bill support page.

Billing mistakes and back-billing

Under Ofgem’s back-billing rule, a supplier can’t charge you for energy you used more than 12 months ago if it failed to bill you correctly and it wasn’t your fault. If you’re landed with a large catch-up bill, challenge it.

Complaints — and if your supplier goes bust

Complain to your supplier first. If it isn’t resolved within 8 weeks, or you get a “deadlock” letter, you can take it to the free Energy Ombudsman, whose decision is binding on the supplier. And if your supplier goes out of business, don’t panic — Ofgem appoints a new one to take over, and any credit balance is protected, so your supply won’t be cut off.

What to do next

Submit a meter reading, review your tariff, and challenge any bill that looks wrong. If your supplier won’t put things right, escalate to the Energy Ombudsman and check them in our Complaints Directory.

Sources

Ofgem (energy price cap; back billing; supplier of last resort); Energy Ombudsman (8-week and deadlock process); Citizens Advice. Reviewed: 3 September 2026.

In this section

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Guide to Energy Bill Assistance in the UK
The escalating cost of energy and the ongoing cost of living catastrophe in the UK has increased the demand for energy bill assistance. The government of the UK has enacted a number of assistance programmes to aid households in coping with these financial challenges. This article will provide all the available assistance programmes, detailing their

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Ofgem Issues Latest Quarterly Pricing Cap Update
February 27, 2023, the energy regulator Ofgem updated the energy price cap from April 1 to June 30 2023. From April 1, the energy price cap will be set at a level of £3,280 for a household paying by direct debit based on average consumption. This is a drop of nearly £1,000 from the present level of £4,279, reflecting recent declines in wholesale energy

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Ukraine war to add £1k per adult to UK energy bills
Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit said conflict came after our excessive reliance on gas. Once it became clear that the energy crisis caused by the conflict in Ukraine had cost the equivalent of £1,000 for every adult, the UK’s overreliance on gas was blamed for driving up prices. According to a study by the Energy and Climate

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Energy costs to surge 20% despite price cap easing
Despite a predicted decrease in the Ofgem household energy limit, it is anticipated that energy costs for British households will rise by around 20%. According to Cornwall Insights, the energy regulator will reduce the annual limit on electricity and gas bills to £3,294 on April 1, from £4,279 previously. Although the reduction in the limit

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Profits For EDF In The UK Soar Following An Increase In Electricity Prices
The UK division of the French energy behemoth EDF has reported a return to profitability in 2022 due to its ability to sell electricity at a higher price. The efficient operation of EDF’s nuclear electricity generators contributed to the company’s achievement of a profit of £1.12 billion in 2022, compared to a loss of £21

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UK Government Announces £12 Million in Funding to Reduce Costs
The government of the UK has announced additional funding to assist businesses in cleaning up industrial processes and improving energy efficiency. More than £12 million in government funding will be distributed to businesses across the UK to assist energy-intensive industries in reducing carbon emissions and energy costs. The funding for 22 winning projects will assist businesses in England, Wales,

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Customers with Fixed-Price Electricity Face Bill Shock as Standing Charges Soar
Thousands of households may shortly be in for a rude awakening. As they transition to variable rates, not only could they pay more for their energy consumption, but their daily standing charges will also increase by up to 100 per cent, regardless of their energy consumption. Standing charges are daily fees added to gas and

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As Chancellor Jeremy Hunt Refuses to Postpone Price Increase, Energy Prices Will Soar
As the rebate programme expires and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt raises the maximum to £3,000 in the March budget, millions of households in the UK face a 40% increase in energy costs beginning in April. This increase will affect all households except the weakest and most vulnerable welfare recipients, who will receive additional government assistance. As

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UK’s largest gas supplier hits output limit
The CEO of the largest gas supplier to the UK, Norway’s Equinor, has cautioned that it will be tough to further increase output after increasing output last year to help fill the void in Europe’s stocks caused by the conflict in Ukraine. Anders Opedal stated that the continent’s natural gas demand must decrease to compensate

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The CEO of Ofgem predicts a reduction in energy bills for British households by July 2023
The CEO of the UK’s energy regulator, Ofgem, Jonathan Brearley, anticipates a considerable decrease in average energy bills within the next few months, bringing hope to millions of households. Families struggling with the energy crisis caused by volatile natural gas prices and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine will welcome this news. Ofgem plays a crucial

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Ofgem Prohibits Energy Companies from Forcibly Fitting Pre-payment Metres
Following revelations that British Gas debt collectors unlawfully entered the residences of vulnerable individuals to install pre-payment metres, Ofgem has demanded that energy companies cease the forced installation of pre-payment metres. Ofgem has urged all suppliers to reconsider their use of court warrants to obtain access to the properties of delinquent customers and “put their

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UK Employees In Jeopardy Due To Shell’s Inquiry Of Its Shell Energy Retail Subsidiary
The UK, Netherlands, and Germany’s domestic energy and broadband sectors are among the choices the company considers. Following the start of a “strategic review” of its domestic energy and telecoms supply operations, Shell has jeopardised more than 2,000 employees in the UK. The oil and gas supermajor announced on Thursday that it had informed employees at Shell

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Economy 7 Tariffs: Why Energy Costs for 2.5 Million Families Are Rising and How to Save Money
Economy 7 tariffs have been a popular choice for British households. Despite the fact that the government sets prices until April, the average annual energy expenditure for over 2.5 million households has increased by £116. This article explores the reasons why Economy 7 customers are experiencing rising energy costs. Why are there fees associated with

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UK energy bills to drop to £2,200 in July
Although Europe’s mild weather cuts gas usage, bills will still be higher than the 2021 energy price cap. From July, annual energy prices are predicted to drop to approximately £2,200, giving the government and households dealing with skyrocketing expenses a boost. Without government subsidies, the mean annual household energy cost will have decreased from £4,279 to £3,208 by April and then will

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Calls for “Social Tariff” Following the Disappearance of UK Energy Subsidies
With energy prices skyrocketing and government subsidies set to expire the following year, 95 charities and nonprofits have written to Jeremy Hunt requesting the implementation of a “social energy tariff” in the UK. The proposed tariff would provide low-income households with cheaper gas and electricity, which would be subsidised by taxation or by distributing the

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Series Of House Fires In The UK As An Attempt To Reduce Energy Bills
Fire officials advise caution when using candles and electric heaters. Ofgem shows gas and electricity prices have increased by 86%. After several recent house fires, fire officials have warned homeowners to exercise caution when using candles and electric heaters to reduce their energy bills. This month, flat fires in Uxbridge were caused by candles. Fire

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The UK Government’s Discount Scheme for Businesses’ Energy Bills
Until 31 March 2024, the new programme will provide enterprises, nonprofits, and the public sector with discounted energy bills. The government of the UK has announced the “Energy Bills Discount Scheme” for enterprises, charities, and the public sector, effective from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024. This initiative seeks to provide qualified non-domestic energy

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Owner of British Gas Centrica Seeks Citizens Advice Assistance to Protect Consumers
The proprietor of British Gas, Centrica, has expressed “deep concern” over the financial stability of its domestic energy market competitors. The company has sought out Citizens Advice, a free advice and information charity in the United Kingdom, for assistance in protecting consumers. This article explores Centrica’s concerns and the measures it intends to take to

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The Cost Of Subsidising Residential Energy Bills Reduces By £5 Billion
The decrease in wholesale gas prices will reduce the government’s energy price guarantee cost. The estimated cost to the Treasury of subsidizing family energy bills has decreased by £5bn due to a decline in wholesale gas prices. The government’s energy price guarantee scheme to safeguard people from the cost of living will now cost £37 billion.

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Ofgem Introduces Fresh Suggestions To Bolster The Energy Market
Today, Ofgem is introducing a fresh set of measures to strengthen consumer protection. As well as make energy suppliers more robust to market shocks. The suggestions include adopting capital adequacy criteria. In addition, Ofgem will require suppliers to segregate Renewable Obligation receipts and rigorously monitor the usage of credit balances. The proposed recommendations aim to

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Millions Of British Homes Will Pay More For Electricity In April
Jeremy Hunt is anticipated to announce an increase in the household energy price cap to as high as £3,100. Hunt is set to reveal proposals to reduce the generosity of the government’s gas and electricity subsidy scheme. Resulting in higher energy costs for millions of British homes beginning next April. The chancellor will likely explain

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Utilita Energy Will Pay Up £830,000
The energy provider will reimburse 250,000 vulnerable consumers using prepayment meters. Utilita Energy will pay out £830,000. Due to Ofgem‘s concerns over the company’s support for households with prepayment meters. The energy regulator stated Utilita did not consider individual circumstances when providing consumers with prepayment meters with additional support credits. The appraisal was based on an examination of

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National Grid Activates Two Coal-Fired Power Facilities
National Grid activates two coal-fired power facilities. Despite snow and ice, the British energy system operator has no fears about blackouts. Snowfall in the UK causes cancellations of trains and planes, causing travel disruptions. The energy system operator in the United Kingdom has placed two coal-fired power plants on emergency standby to keep the lights on

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UK Government Urged to Finalise Energy Subsidy Recipients
Understanding the Function of Energy Subsidies Subsidies for energy play a crucial role in providing financial assistance to businesses and industries, thereby assisting them in managing energy costs and preserving their competitiveness. As a result of soaring energy costs, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has urged policymakers to determine which industries will receive energy

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Small Businesses In The UK Warn They May Not Survive The Winter
Small businesses in the UK warn they may not survive the winter. Company owners across the UK have expressed sleepless nights and apprehension that they may not survive the winter. Owing to impending energy bill hikes. Since February 2021, the Federation of Small Businesses reports that gas expenses have increased by 424%, and electricity costs have

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Ofgem Confirm A Five-Year Investment Programme
Ofgem have confirmed a five-year investment programme. The scheme has been designed for the electrical distribution network operators to deliver cheaper, more dependable local grids at no additional cost to customers. A crucial element of the strategy will be that network investments assist the transition from significant reliance on imported fossil fuels to using more

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National Grid Cancels Emergency Winter Plans
National Grid cancels emergency winter scheme plans. On Tuesday, the operator may request that clients utilize the demand flexibility service. The energy network operator in the UK has canceled plans to trigger its emergency winter plan on Tuesday. This is because power supply concerns have been alleviated. National Grid warned on Monday morning that it

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National Grid Cancels Initiation Of Winter Emergency Scheme
National Grid cancels power outage. On Tuesday, the operator may request that clients utilize the demand flexibility service. The energy network operator in the UK has canceled plans to trigger its emergency winter plan as power supply concerns have been alleviated. National Grid warned on Monday morning that it may require customers to begin utilizing

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How The Government Intends To Advise People To Reduce Energy Costs
How the British government intends to advise people on reducing energy costs. The following actions, according to ministers, will save people money and alleviate the energy problem. As the monthly government aid bill approaches £5 billion, the British populace is instructed to conserve energy. This winter, ministers will finally advise people on the best ways to

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The UK’s Energy Campaign
The UK’s energy campaign ‘could save the Treasury £9 billion.’ According to a think tank, government guidance would empower consumers, allowing them to save on bills. A public information campaign encouraging consumers to reduce their gas consumption this winter. It could save households nearly £400 and the Treasury £9 billion. A cross-party think tank, the

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“First Truly Global Energy Crisis” looms over the world
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will have long-lasting impacts on energy supply and prices. Consequently, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the world faces its first “really global energy crisis.” Exorbitant energy bills remain a significant issue, as oil and gas exports have been curtailed. The crisis should also be viewed as a turning moment

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More Than Two Million Households Have Unpaid Electricity Bills
A worrisome trend has worsened as winter approaches. Citizens Advice has issued a warning, disclosing that many households are already taking extreme measures to save money, such as unplugging refrigerators, hand-washing clothes, and skipping meals. As of June 2023, more than two million homes were delinquent on their electricity payments, while 1.8 million were delinquent

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Energy price cap is not price cap – says Martin Lewis
Martin Lewis of Money Saving Expert explains that the new British prime minister, Liz Truss, has imposed an energy price cap that is not a cap but rather an estimate of what households could pay. The purpose of this article is to provide a greater understanding of the energy price cap, its effect on consumers,

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Energy Bills: Communities and Governments Must Unite
The ongoing energy crisis has caused energy bills to reach unprecedented heights, causing a crisis in the UK’s expense of living. Together, the government and communities must resolve this issue to prevent further repercussions. Here, we discuss the current state of affairs, the government’s intentions to freeze energy bills, and the ways in which communities

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Liz Truss Caps Average Annual Energy Bills at £2,500
Liz Truss will freeze energy bills at an average of £2,500 per year, funded by borrowing. The prime minister announces a £150 billion plan and the resumption of fracking as part of her pledge to address the crisis’ root causes. The government will increase borrowing to fund the plan to reduce the unit energy cost. According

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Scottish Power acknowledges our difficulty with energy costs, then imposes a surcharge
Scottish Power has been called out by one of its customers for acknowledging Britain’s difficulty with rising energy costs and then adding on a bill if customers cannot make payments on time. With energy costs spiking across the UK and millions struggling to pay their energy bills, an angry customer has voiced his concern regarding

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British Gas Commits Aid During the UK’s Energy Crisis: A Closer Look
British Gas has announced that, during the ongoing energy crisis, it will donate 10% of its profits to assist customers struggling with escalating costs. The contribution will be added to an existing support fund, thereby substantially increasing the amount of winter aid available to those in need. However, some critics argue that the gesture is

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The Energy Security Bill Factsheet
ECO4 ends on 31 December 2026We can no longer help with ECO4 applications. You can apply for a free home battery or see other funding options. The Energy Security Bill seeks to increase energy efficiency in British households and decrease energy costs for homeowners. The ECO4 scheme, which requires energy suppliers to finance and implement

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How the Energy Price Cap Affects Your Energy Bills
The energy price cap is a government safety net that protects consumers from overpaying for their energy supply. The quota, which is regulated by Ofgem, limits the amount energy suppliers can charge for particular tariffs. This article will examine in depth the energy price limit and its impact on consumers and offer suggestions for reducing

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Martin Lewis Urges Customers of British Gas and E.ON to Act
Martin Lewis, the proprietor of Moneysavingexpert.com, has issued an urgent warning to British Gas and E.ON customers as energy prices continue to rise in the UK. Due to the recent increase in the price limit to just under £2,000, the energy costs for many households have skyrocketed. Martin addressed the issue and provided advice to

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How Will The Price Cap Affect My Energy Bills?
The energy price cap will increase by £693 to £1,971 in April, according to regulator Ofgem, putting even greater strain on already stressed households. Customers have always shopped around for a better bargain when gas and electricity prices have risen. However, doing so could suddenly leave homes with hundreds of pounds in debt. This post

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Bills & PaymentsSaving Money On Your Energy Bills
Guidance for domestic energy consumers in the United Kingdom seeking to reduce household energy costs. This page provides official guidance for households in the United Kingdom on practical, regulated, and approved methods to reduce energy consumption and lower energy bills. It includes actionable steps that can be taken without compromising health or safety, in line

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