Energy Helpline - Help & Advice

Common questions

Got a question? Browse our extensive database of commonly asked questions

Who is Energy Helpline?

Why should I switch suppliers?

After switching suppliers, what do I need to do?

Will my energy supply be interrupted if I switch?

How do I find out my current supplier?

How long is my cooling-off period?

Is there any obligation to switch?

How long does it take to switch energy suppliers?

What is Ofgem?

Do I need to contact my current supplier if I want to switch?

Are there any hidden costs?

What happens if I'm moving house?

Will I be charged a cancellation fee for leaving my current supplier?

Where can I find helpful, independent information and advice about energy efficiency?

Popular guides

Explore our handy help guides for a complete A-Z in switching energy suppliers

Energy switching mythbusted

Energy switching can often seem more complicated than it actually is. With our guide, we'll bust some of the biggest switching myths.

Hive vs Nest Thermostat, which is best?

Power your home with 21st century technology.

Octopus Energy or SSE? Advice on choosing your energy supplier

Helping you choose between two great suppliers.

Energy price cap October 2020: what you need to know

Here's everything you need to know about the October 2020 price cap change.

How to read your smart meter: step-by-step

With this guide, we’ll take you through how to get a meter reading from your smart meter.

What green energy tariffs are available in the UK?

People are going green for good.

A step-by-step guide to setting up gas and electricity in a new home

The process is incredibly simple once you know how.

Bulb or Scottish Power? Advice on choosing your energy supplier

Helping you make those difficult decisions.

What is the Green Homes Grant?

We break down the Green Homes Grant.

Warm Home Discount Scheme - What is it and how can I sign up?

Think you're eligible for the Warm Home Discount? Find out for sure with our guide.

How to use the Green Homes Grant

We take a look at what energy-efficient improvements the government's new scheme covers.

Bulb vs Octopus: Which Green Energy Supplier is Best?

Looking for a green energy supplier? Bulb and Octopus are two of the best, but we've covered some key differences.

A complete guide to the UK Winter Fuel Payment

We answer every question you have on the Winter Fuel Payment.

What is Economy 10?

Our guide explains all you need to know about the Economy 10 tariff.

How do I avoid exit fees when switching energy?

You won't be charged if you switch energy within the last 49 days of your contract.

Understanding your energy bill

This guide is here to help you better understand your energy bill.

Understanding your energy bill: British Gas

Our simple guide to help British Gas customers understand their bills.

Understanding your energy bill: E.ON

Our simple guide to help E.ON customers understand their bills.

Understanding your energy bill: Scottish Power

Our simple guide to help Scottish Power customers understand their bills.

Understanding your energy bill: SSE

Our simple guide to help SSE customers understand their bills.

Understanding your energy bill: npower

Our simple guide to help npower customers understand their bills.

Understanding your energy bill: EDF

Our simple guide to help EDF customers understand their bills.

Understanding your energy bill: Bulb

Our simple guide to help Bulb customers understand their bills.

Your meter supply numbers explained

We’re here to help you make sense of your utility bill.

The best energy suppliers in the UK

A full supplier table to help you choose your next supplier.

What are unit rates and standing charges?

We help explain the difference.

When is the best time to switch energy?

Find the time to switch that suits you.

Fixed and Variable tariffs: What's the difference?

Getting to know two of the most popular energy tariffs.

How to save energy: Energy-saving tips for the home

Help cut the costs of your energy bills with our simple tips.

How to compare energy tariffs

This guide offers some help so you can choose the ideal energy tariff.

5 easy steps to switch with Energy Helpline

Here are the 5 simple steps you can take to start switching and saving with us.

Understanding energy tariffs

Our handy guide tells you a little more about different energy tariffs.

Glossary

Our energy glossary explains some of the main terms you're likely to hear.

My supplier has gone bust, what should I do?

Here's what to do if your energy supplier has gone out of business.

What happens if your supplier goes out of business?

There are safety nets put in place to protect your supply, and to help you securely and quickly transition to a new supplier

Smart meters: what are they and do you need one?

Confused about smart meters? Check out our comprehensive guide.

Reading your energy meters

We cover how to read different types of energy meters in your home.

What is the Ofgem Confidence Code?

As one of the earliest members, we help explain the Ofgem Confidence Code.

How to claim cashback from Energy Helpline

You could receive up to £40 cashback when you complete a switch!

Energy Suppliers: Our in-depth guide

A detailed look into several energy suppliers and the tariffs they have to offer.

Is your fixed-rate tariff ending?

Here’s what to do if your fixed price energy deal is coming to an end.

Switching with a prepayment meter

Here’s what to do if you have a prepayment meter and want to switch.

Are you owed money from your supplier?

Here's how you can go about getting a refund if you're owed money.

The UK's green energy suppliers

We take a look at the suppliers offering green energy.

Energy grants - what are they and who can apply?

Find out more about the current energy grant schemes.

The Energy Switch Guarantee

Learn more about this guarantee offering you great peace of mind.

What is Economy 7?

Our guide tells you everything you need to know about Economy 7.

What is the Ofgem energy price cap?

Our guide tells you all you need to know about the energy price cap, how it works and whether or not you’re likely to save money.

The cost of Christmas past

How much is your Christmas energy actually costing you, and are you paying more than you did 10 or 20 years ago?

Switch your energy in minutes - save up to £* a year

A service you can trust

How switching works

Enter your details
Answer a few quick questions and then we can find you some great energy deals based on your location and usage.
Compare the best deals
Once we’ve got your prices we’ll help you compare the best ones, and we can answer any questions you have too.
We’ll handle the switch
With us there’s no obligation, but if you want to take one of the energy deals then we’ll handle it all for you free of charge.

Help