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The Sun
11-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Hours left to secure fixed energy deal that'll slash your bills by £300 a year
A MAJOR energy supplier if offering customers the chance to fix and lower their bills for the next 12 months, but time is running out. Households have only a few hours left to save up to £300 on their annual energy costs before the deal expires at midnight tonight. The EDF Simply Fixed May26 is priced at £1,549 a year - £300 below Ofgem 's current price cap and £134 cheaper than Cornwall Insight's July price cap forecast. This deal could benefit millions, as over 22million households on standard variable tariffs remain directly impacted by the price cap which changes every three months. Currently, the price cap sets annual energy costs at around £1,849. Analysts at Cornwall Insight predict this will drop by nearly 9% to £1,683 in July. However, many households may still pay more than Ofgem's headline figure. This is because the price cap doesn't cap total bills but limits the maximum cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of gas and electricity, along with daily standing charges. By choosing a fixed deal, customers can lock in consistent rates for a set period, potentially avoiding fluctuations in energy prices. Of course, opting for a fixed energy deal carries the risk that, if energy prices drop further, you might end up paying more than you would on a variable tariff. However, analysts have long said that households should not anticipate any significant drops in prices this year. Elise Melville, energy expert at said: "While the energy price cap is predicted to fall to £1,683 in July, the top fifteen fixed tariffs currently available are already priced lower than this. What is the energy price cap? "Locking in cheaper rates now can offer valuable protection against any future price fluctuations. "With some of the best deals offering fixes of 12 months or longer, it's a great time to run a comparison to see what you could save." If you're interested in signing up for the EDF's fixed tariff, you can do so by visiting It's worth noting that while EDF's offer is the most affordable among the "Big Six" suppliers, a smaller provider is offering an even cheaper fixed-rate deal. Outfox the Market's Fix'd Dual May25 12M v4.0 tariff, costs a typical household £1,530 a year. This means it is £319 cheaper than Ofgem's April price cap and £153 a cheaper than the predicted cap for July. It comes with a £50 exit fee per fuel or £100 if you lock in with a dual fuel tariff. How can I find the cheapest fixed deals? To find the best fixed energy deals, start by visiting price comparison websites, which aggregate various offers from different energy suppliers. The best sites include and MoneySavingExpert's Cheap Energy Club. Enter your postcode and current energy usage details to receive a list of available deals tailored to your needs - it'll take you less than five minutes. You'll then be able to compare the rates, contract lengths, and any additional features or benefits offered by each deal. Next, visit the websites of individual energy suppliers to check if they have exclusive deals that are not listed on comparison sites. Sometimes, suppliers offer special promotions or discounts directly to customers. Compare these offers with those on the comparison websites to ensure you get the best possible rate. Finally, consider customer service reviews and the overall reputation of the suppliers. Once you have identified the best deal, follow the instructions to switch your energy provider. What energy bill help is available? There's a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you're struggling to get by. If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter. This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period. If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don't think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal. Several energy firms have schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills. But eligibility criteria vary depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances. For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000. British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund. You don't need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund. EDF, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too. Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR). The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill. Some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you're struggling. Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.
Scottish Sun
11-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Hours left to secure fixed energy deal that'll slash your bills by £300 a year
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MAJOR energy supplier if offering customers the chance to fix and lower their bills for the next 12 months, but time is running out. Households have only a few hours left to save up to £300 on their annual energy costs before the deal expires at midnight tonight. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 By choosing a fixed deal, customers can lock in consistent rates for a set period, potentially avoiding fluctuations in energy prices Credit: AFP The EDF Simply Fixed May26 is priced at £1,549 a year - £300 below Ofgem's current price cap and £134 cheaper than Cornwall Insight's July price cap forecast. This deal could benefit millions, as over 22million households on standard variable tariffs remain directly impacted by the price cap which changes every three months. Currently, the price cap sets annual energy costs at around £1,849. Analysts at Cornwall Insight predict this will drop by nearly 9% to £1,683 in July. However, many households may still pay more than Ofgem's headline figure. This is because the price cap doesn't cap total bills but limits the maximum cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of gas and electricity, along with daily standing charges. By choosing a fixed deal, customers can lock in consistent rates for a set period, potentially avoiding fluctuations in energy prices. Of course, opting for a fixed energy deal carries the risk that, if energy prices drop further, you might end up paying more than you would on a variable tariff. However, analysts have long said that households should not anticipate any significant drops in prices this year. Elise Melville, energy expert at said: "While the energy price cap is predicted to fall to £1,683 in July, the top fifteen fixed tariffs currently available are already priced lower than this. What is the energy price cap? "Locking in cheaper rates now can offer valuable protection against any future price fluctuations. "With some of the best deals offering fixes of 12 months or longer, it's a great time to run a comparison to see what you could save." If you're interested in signing up for the EDF's fixed tariff, you can do so by visiting It's worth noting that while EDF's offer is the most affordable among the "Big Six" suppliers, a smaller provider is offering an even cheaper fixed-rate deal. Outfox the Market's Fix'd Dual May25 12M v4.0 tariff, costs a typical household £1,530 a year. This means it is £319 cheaper than Ofgem's April price cap and £153 a cheaper than the predicted cap for July. It comes with a £50 exit fee per fuel or £100 if you lock in with a dual fuel tariff. How can I find the cheapest fixed deals? To find the best fixed energy deals, start by visiting price comparison websites, which aggregate various offers from different energy suppliers. The best sites include and MoneySavingExpert's Cheap Energy Club. Enter your postcode and current energy usage details to receive a list of available deals tailored to your needs - it'll take you less than five minutes. You'll then be able to compare the rates, contract lengths, and any additional features or benefits offered by each deal. Next, visit the websites of individual energy suppliers to check if they have exclusive deals that are not listed on comparison sites. Sometimes, suppliers offer special promotions or discounts directly to customers. Compare these offers with those on the comparison websites to ensure you get the best possible rate. Finally, consider customer service reviews and the overall reputation of the suppliers. Once you have identified the best deal, follow the instructions to switch your energy provider.
The Sun
02-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
The nightmare hot weather appliances that you MUST switch off to save on energy bills
Daniel Fessahaye Published: Invalid Date, JUST because the heating's off doesn't mean your energy bills are taking a break – in fact, some warm weather gadgets could be driving them up. With hotter temperatures sweeping the UK, many households might assume costs will drop. But the truth is, some appliances we rely on in the heat could be draining more power than you realise. These " vampire appliances" drain your electricity when they're left on for long periods of time. Of course, how much you'll actually pay depends on how much you use the appliance and what make and model you have. All costs are calculated using the current price cap rates. Between 1 April and 30 June 2025, the energy price cap is set at £1,849 per year for a typical household who use electricity and gas and pay by Direct Debit. From fans that can keep you cool at night and fridge-freezers to smart speakers and garden lights, here are the summer culprits that could be costing you a small fortune... Desktop fan A desktop fan might be a must on a warm night, but it's not completely free to run. According to Uswitch, using a 35-watt fan for around 9 hours a day over a week will cost around 60p. The exact costs will depend on your energy tariff and the device you have. But you can use this equation to work it out: Cost = power (kilowatt) × time (hour) × cost of 1 kWh (pence). What is the energy price cap? Elise Melville, energy expert at said: 'Leaving a fan running overnight for 12 hours to keep cool will only set you back 11p – as desktop fans don't use much energy. 'You can cut the cost of running a fan by making sure you are using it as efficiently as possible. 'Some models come with an 'eco' setting, which means they lose less power so cost less to run. 'You should also make sure the fan is free of obstructions and not dusty, as this could cause the fan to work harder than it needs to. 'Placing a bowl of ice cubes in front of an electric fan will lower the temperature of the air being blown around the room. 'This might cool you down faster, so you don't need to keep the fan on for as long.' More ways to save on energy bills this summer Switching off appliances around your home is one of the easiest ways to cut energy costs. Senior Consumer reporter Olivia Marshall explains how. Check if you still need your dehumidifier Dehumidifiers can help speed up your drying time, while also reducing the amount of moisture and condensation created by drying clothes indoors. However, you may not need it as often during the summer months when you can open the windows to ventilate your home instead. You could consider changing the settings so it runs for less time, or turn it off completely if you can let the air in through your windows. Take your lamps off a timer During the dark winter months, lots of households chose to put their lights on a timer for security reasons. As the days get longer, it's worth checking these settings to see if your lights are coming on earlier than they need to. Turn off any plug-in heaters Electric heaters can be a useful way of making a room a little warmer in the winter. Some of them also come with timers you can set when they come on. If your gadget does, then it's time to give the settings a tweak. Electric shower When temperatures soar, many of us find ourselves hopping in the shower more often – but that can quickly drive up your bills. An electric shower uses a lot of power. A 10-minute rinse each day for a week can cost around £3.41. To keep costs down, try to limit showers to four minutes, or switch to a cold shower now and then – especially in a heatwave. You could also invest in an eco-shower head to cut water usage, which helps reduce both your energy and water bills if you're on a meter. Fridge freezer Your fridge freezer is always on – and always using energy. A typical model uses around 245.5kWh a year, which works out at £66.36 under the current energy price cap. In summer, it's likely working even harder to stay cool – especially if the room temperature rises or if the door is opened more often. Keep it well stocked but not overloaded, don't leave the door open longer than needed, and defrost regularly to help it run more efficiently. Outdoor lighting Enjoying your garden into the evening is part of the summer fun, but outdoor lights can sneakily bump up your bills. If you've got four 60W lights on for an hour each night, that adds up to 45p a week. Consider swapping to solar-powered lights, which soak up the sun's energy during the day and don't cost a penny to run. You'll save money – and they're better for the environment too. How do I calculate my energy bill? BELOW we reveal how you can calculate your own energy bill. To calculate how much you pay for your energy bill, you must find out your unit rate for gas and electricity and the standing charge for each fuel type. The unit rate will usually be shown on your bill in p/ standing charge is a daily charge that is paid 365 days of the year - irrespective of whether or not you use any gas or electricity. You will then need to note down your own annual energy usage from a previous bill. Once you have these details, you can work out your gas and electricity costs separately. Multiply your usage in kWh by the unit rate cost in p/kWh for the corresponding fuel type - this will give you your usage costs. You'll then need to multiply each standing charge by 365 and add this figure to the totals for your usage - this will then give you your annual costs. Divide this figure by 12, and you'll be able to determine how much you should expect to pay each month from April 1. Smart speaker You might not think twice about leaving your smart speaker plugged in – but even in standby mode, it uses energy. But smart speakers are some of the most expensive devices to leave on standby. Most smart speakers draw around 2 watts constantly when not in use. That might sound low, but over a year, that could add £4.74 to your energy bill. So if you're not using it, switch it off at the wall and unplug it when possible. .
The Sun
23-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Big energy firm launches ‘first' of its kind of deal to cut bills by £370 if you do your washing at exact times
A MAJOR energy firm has launched a new energy tariff that could slash your bills by around £370 a year. Next has unveiled the new "Time of Use" tariff offering customers different rates depending on the time of day. Households signing up to the Next Smart Saver deal will pay an off-peak, super off-peak and peak rate. The off-peak rate is paid between 5am to 4pm and 7pm to 2am and is 20.11p per kilowatt hour. The super off-peak rate is paid between 2am and 5am and is 16.33p per kilowatt hour. Meanwhile, the peak rate, paid between 4pm and 7pm costs 38.48p per kilowatt hour. Next claims the new energy tariff is the first fixed time of use tariff of its kind as it's not aimed at customers with EV chargers or heat pumps. The energy firm also says those using their electricity during the off-peak hours can save 20% a year on their energy bills compared to its standard variable tariff, which changes based on the price cap. The current price cap means the average household is currently paying £1,849 per year for their gas and electric. This means someone using the Next Next Smart Saver tariff and only using energy at off-peak times would save around £370 a year. Ramona Vlasiu, chief operating officer at Next, said: "With energy prices fluctuating, we know customers are looking for ways to take control of their bills. "The Next Smart Saver tariff - the UK's first fixed mass-market Time of Use tariff - is designed to do just that, rewarding customers who can shift their energy use to times when demand is lower, helping them save on their bills. What is the energy price cap? Next's tariff is fixed for 12 months and comes with no early exit fees meaning you can cancel before the end of this period without paying a charge. You'll need a smart energy meter to sign up, or be willing to have one installed and agree to Next collecting data from the meter every half hour. You must also be a pay monthly customer and able to manage your account online. Is the deal worth it? Elise Melville, energy expert at Uswitch, said the new tariff from Next could be worth it if you're willing to shift your energy usage to anti-social hours. However, if not, it won't be worth your time. She explained: "These tariffs won't be right for everyone. "The super off-peak window is between 2am and 5am — a time when most households are asleep and unlikely to use appliances, but it could suit those who can schedule when they run. 'The peak period between 4pm to 7pm, when families typically have higher usage, is priced above ( Next's) standard tariff. "This could make it difficult for the average household to avoid higher costs during the most energy-intensive hours of the day. 'Electric vehicle owners should also be cautious — although the tariff includes lower overnight rates, they're still not as competitive as the 7p/kWh available on some specialist EV charging deals." Elise also pointed out there are a number of fixed deals on the market currently offering some of the biggest savings. For example, Outfox the Market's fixed 12-month deal is offering customers a £300 yearly saving based on the current price cap. You can search the best fixed-rate deals via price comparison websites like and MoneySuperMarket. It's also worth shopping around to find the best Economy 7 or 10 tariffs on the market that might compete with Next's. These tariffs charge you two different rates, a lower and higher rate, for seven or 10 hours a day. It's worth contacting rival energy firms asking for a quote on what its Economy 7 or 10 rates are. What energy bill help is available? There's a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you're struggling to get by. If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter. This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period. If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don't think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal. Several energy firms have schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills. But eligibility criteria vary depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances. For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000. British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund. You don't need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund. EDF, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too. Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR). The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill. Some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you're struggling. Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply. How else to save money on energy bills You might be able to get a cash payment or vouchers towards the cost of energy bills through the Household Support Fund. The fund is worth £842million and has been shared between councils in England. Each council is offering something slightly different though with eligibility criteria varying too. Speak to your council to see what help is on offer. You can take active steps towards driving down your energy bills as well. Switching appliances off standby is one quick way to save around £45 a year, according to the Energy Saving Trust (EST). Draught-proofing windows and doors is another - it could save you around £80 over 12 months. Plus, ditching your tumble dryer and drying your clothes on a heated airer will likely save you £100s over the colder months. Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@
Scottish Sun
23-04-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Big energy firm launches ‘first' of its kind of deal to cut bills by £370 if you do your washing at exact times
Scroll down to see what an energy expert thinks of the deal GOOD ENERGY Big energy firm launches 'first' of its kind of deal to cut bills by £370 if you do your washing at exact times A MAJOR energy firm has launched a new energy tariff that could slash your bills by around £370 a year. Next has unveiled the new "Time of Use" tariff offering customers different rates depending on the time of day. Advertisement 1 Next has launched a new energy tariff in what it claims is a UK first Credit: Getty Households signing up to the Next Smart Saver deal will pay an off-peak, super off-peak and peak rate. The off-peak rate is paid between 5am to 4pm and 7pm to 2am and is 20.11p per kilowatt hour. The super off-peak rate is paid between 2am and 5am and is 16.33p per kilowatt hour. Meanwhile, the peak rate, paid between 4pm and 7pm costs 38.48p per kilowatt hour. Advertisement Next claims the new energy tariff is the first fixed time of use tariff of its kind as it's not aimed at customers with EV chargers or heat pumps. The energy firm also says those using their electricity during the off-peak hours can save 20% a year on their energy bills compared to its standard variable tariff, which changes based on the price cap. The current price cap means the average household is currently paying £1,849 per year for their gas and electric. This means someone using the Next Next Smart Saver tariff and only using energy at off-peak times would save around £370 a year. Advertisement Ramona Vlasiu, chief operating officer at Next, said: "With energy prices fluctuating, we know customers are looking for ways to take control of their bills. "The Next Smart Saver tariff - the UK's first fixed mass-market Time of Use tariff - is designed to do just that, rewarding customers who can shift their energy use to times when demand is lower, helping them save on their bills. What is the energy price cap? Next's tariff is fixed for 12 months and comes with no early exit fees meaning you can cancel before the end of this period without paying a charge. You'll need a smart energy meter to sign up, or be willing to have one installed and agree to Next collecting data from the meter every half hour. Advertisement You must also be a pay monthly customer and able to manage your account online. Is the deal worth it? Elise Melville, energy expert at Uswitch, said the new tariff from Next could be worth it if you're willing to shift your energy usage to anti-social hours. However, if not, it won't be worth your time. She explained: "These tariffs won't be right for everyone. Advertisement "The super off-peak window is between 2am and 5am — a time when most households are asleep and unlikely to use appliances, but it could suit those who can schedule when they run. 'The peak period between 4pm to 7pm, when families typically have higher usage, is priced above ( Next's) standard tariff. "This could make it difficult for the average household to avoid higher costs during the most energy-intensive hours of the day. 'Electric vehicle owners should also be cautious — although the tariff includes lower overnight rates, they're still not as competitive as the 7p/kWh available on some specialist EV charging deals." Advertisement Elise also pointed out there are a number of fixed deals on the market currently offering some of the biggest savings. For example, Outfox the Market's fixed 12-month deal is offering customers a £300 yearly saving based on the current price cap. You can search the best fixed-rate deals via price comparison websites like and MoneySuperMarket. It's also worth shopping around to find the best Economy 7 or 10 tariffs on the market that might compete with Next's. Advertisement These tariffs charge you two different rates, a lower and higher rate, for seven or 10 hours a day. It's worth contacting rival energy firms asking for a quote on what its Economy 7 or 10 rates are. What energy bill help is available? There's a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you're struggling to get by. If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter. This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period. If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don't think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal. Several energy firms have schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills. But eligibility criteria vary depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances. For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000. British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund. You don't need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund. EDF, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too. Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR). The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill. Some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you're struggling. Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply. How else to save money on energy bills You might be able to get a cash payment or vouchers towards the cost of energy bills through the Household Support Fund. The fund is worth £842million and has been shared between councils in England. Advertisement Each council is offering something slightly different though with eligibility criteria varying too. Speak to your council to see what help is on offer. You can take active steps towards driving down your energy bills as well. Switching appliances off standby is one quick way to save around £45 a year, according to the Energy Saving Trust (EST). Draught-proofing windows and doors is another - it could save you around £80 over 12 months. Advertisement Plus, ditching your tumble dryer and drying your clothes on a heated airer will likely save you £100s over the colder months. Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@ Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
