How to save money on energy: What you need to know and energy-saving tips that work

How to save money on energy – Millions of peoples around the world are expected to struggle with their energy bills as the cost of living crisis continued to mount in 2022. Most peoples are looking How to save money on energy usage after the price cap increases worldwide.

Many analyst warns that the energy price cap could rise even more in January 2023, following the similar trend in last October 2021.

In this article / guide ‘how to save on energy’, we explain everything you need to know from how you can still fix to whether if a smart meter is worth it and, of course, some energy saving tips.

How to save money by switch energy providers?

In the past many peoples were urged to switch energy providers often to get the best deal possible. 

In most cases, switching energy providers will not help you to get more competitive deal.

Due to fixed rate energy deals in market are few, and most other are priced higher than energy price cap.

Since gas prices increase in 2021 and many energy companies were closed, due to millions of customers were forced to move to a different supplier.

In addition, many comparison sites have temporarily stopped their services.

Further, most suppliers have withdrawn their energy deals, since they simply can’t afford.

How to save money by assuring meter readings and bills are right?

If you don’t have a smart meter at your home or work place, giving meter readings to your energy supplier is the only way to be sure you’re paying only for what you consume.

Without meter reading supplier will estimate how much average energy you’re using and charge you based that – and there is a big chance of big bills suddenly landing as you fall behind.

If your last energy bill was higher than expected numbers, there could be many reasons to pay more: 

• your energy supplier has increased their tariff prices
• your usage has risen, for example, due to cold or hot weather
• If your bill is based on actual meter reading instead estimated reading

Unfortunately, there is possibility for errors to occur when submitting your meter reading, and they can issue the bills accordingly.

What to do if energy bills are wrong (How to save money)

If you suddenly receive a high bill, the most important thing to do is to complain to energy provider before bill due date to avoid extra charges.

Further, if you receive a back bill then you should informed to your energy provider, that you are protected by the back-billing rules and will only pay for the energy you have consumed within the last 12 months.

But, if you receive a bill for energy within the last year, and you think it is incorrect, you should contact your energy provider as soon as possible to sort out the potential issues that may be the cause. 

If you are not sure if your bill is correct or not, it is beneficial calling your energy provider’s customer service team, and let them know about your bills, and they will be able to talk you through your bill in more detail. 

And if you don’t get a satisfactory answer, you should communicate to your energy supplier by post or email, explaining why you think your bill may be not correct, along with an up to date meter reading and any evidence to support your claim. 

Ask them to provide you with proof of meter readings and rates being charged for different periods.

And don’t forget to keep a record of all evidence and communication too.

How do I read my electricity meter?

There are four types of standard electricity meters you may have in your home:

1- Single rate meters

For single rate meters, you should read the numbers from left to right and skip any numbers in red, when you submit to your energy provider.

2- Two rate meters

For this kind of rate meters it can get a little more complicated. Two rate meters are usually used for economy tariffs, which charge different rates of energy in off-peak hours, usually one for your day usage and one for night usage. 

If you have a digital two rate meter, you should be able to change your settings to show you your ‘rates’, with Rate 1 for your peak energy consumption, and Rate 2 for off-peak. 

3- Dial meters

This type of meters can be the most confusing type of meters, but they are relatively simple to read once you know how to.

The dials move in alternating clockwise and anti-clockwise directions, and you should read them from left to right, skipping any numbers in red.

When the pointer is between two numbers, note the lower number, and if it’s between 9 and 0, you should record the number as 9.

When the pointer is directly on a number, check the next dial to the right. If the dial on the right reads 8 or 9, then you should lower the reading for the dial with the pointer directly on the number. 

4 – Smart Meters

If you have a smart meter, your energy provider should be receiving regular meter readings automatically, though you can change the settings on your device and frequency of your meter readings by communicating with energy provider.

Smart meters should also be regularly monitored to assure they are sending the right information – making sure the meter match with your bills.

If you are worried about energy bills that you may be paying too much for your energy bills, it’s always worth to keep in touch with your supplier and submitting additional meter reading and asking them to confirm how much you should be paying.

Also read: Money Saving Tips for 2nd Half year 2022

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