War in the Middle East is likely to have an impact on energy bills (Image: Getty) This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Households have been urged to take five steps to ensure that they are not overpaying on their energy bills. War in the Middle East has seen fears of a sharp increase in energy bills rise as Iran continues to strangle global oil distribution.
It comes ahead of a fall in the energy price cap on April 1 to £1,641 due in large part to the Government removing certain levies from domestic bills. However, bills are forecast to rise again in July when the latest increase in wholesale gas and oil prices feeds through to household bills. Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at Uswitch.com, has urged households to take proactive measures to insulate themselves as much as possible from the inevitable impacts of the war. He said: “Households should take a moment to read their energy meter this weekend if they want to make the most of lower energy prices from April.
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Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz in response to American and Israeli attacks (Image: Getty)
“Customers who don’t have a smart meter should submit their readings before or on Wednesday, April 1, so their supplier has an updated – and accurate – view of their account.”
Homes on a standard tariff with average usage are expected to spend £97 on energy in April, compared with £166 in March.
Gallizzi added: “You could save money by signing up for free electricity schemes. Many suppliers offer free or discounted energy at certain times of the week, which can mean you can do your washing for free at the weekend.
“If you have a smart meter, you can connect it to the free Uswitch mobile app and look out for opportunities to earn real cash back in your pocket by shifting or reducing your energy to off-peak times.
“Switching off or turning down the heating as the weather improves will help bring down your energy bill, but other small changes around the home can add up.
Simple actions could reduce the impact (Image: Getty)
“It’s a good time to ditch the tumble dryer and save money by drying clothes on the line if you have some outdoor space. Running a tumble dryer the typical three times a week costs £2.22 at April’s price cap rates.
“If you’re not already on a fixed energy deal, there are currently 19 tariffs available. These have increased in price within the week or so, but if certainty about your rates is something you want, you should assess the options available.
“It’s important to run a quick comparison to see tailored options available to your personal energy usage. If there are options on offer which give you the opportunity to lock in reasonable rates, it’s worth considering if you value price certainty.”
Uswitch.com is urging households without a working smart meter to submit a meter reading this week and make sure you’re signed up to receive email alerts from Uswitch.com to be informed when new or exclusive tariffs become available.
Uswitch’s checklist to keep energy bills as low as possible:
Check your meter readings are up to date
If you don’t have a smart meter, submit your latest readings on or around April 1 to ensure you’re charged the correct amount for the gas and electricity you’ve used. You should regularly submit meter readings to avoid over- or underpaying on your bill. Don’t know how to read your meter? Check out this Uswitch guide.
Act to find savings
Uswitch and other groups often run special deals, known as collective switches, that offer tariffs, which are usually exclusive, to consumers who have signed up in advance. Sign up to Uswitch’s collective scheme to see if you can get your hands on a competitive energy deal.
Track your usage
It’s worth monitoring how much energy you’re using by downloading the free Uswitch app. The app connects to your smart meter and offers regular insights into your household energy usage, opportunities to earn money with energy-saving schemes, and handy energy-saving tips.
Reduce or shift your energy usage
Many suppliers offer energy-saving schemes that let you save on your energy bill by reducing your usage or shifting it to off-peak times. You can also connect your smart meter to Uswitch’s free mobile app to discover opportunities to put real cash back in your pocket by adjusting your energy usage. Keep your eyes peeled for ‘free electricity’ campaigns within the app.
Run a comparison
Should you switch your energy tariff? Standard energy rates will fall in April but are predicted to rise significantly in July, so it’s worth running a comparison to assess your options. Fixed tariffs are available, but prices have been creeping up in recent weeks. If rates rise in summer, it may be worth fixing for price certainty if you find a deal you’re happy with.
Change your energy habits
With the weather getting warmer, try ditching the tumble dryer and hanging clothes outside to dry where possible to save on your energy bills. It may also be time to turn down the thermostat – or turn it off – to avoid unnecessary heating costs on warmer days.