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A SMETS2 smart meter is the second-generation UK smart meter that records your gas and electricity use automatically and sends those readings to your energy supplier over a shared national network. SMETS stands for Smart Metering Equipment Technical Specifications, the government standard that sets the security and functionality rules every smart meter must meet. SMETS2 […]

To cut electricity use at home, focus on the appliances that use the most power, switch off devices left on standby, swap to LED bulbs and shift heavy use to cheaper times if you have a smart tariff. These steps target the parts of your bill you can actually change, rather than the standing charge […]

Who supplies the energy at my new address is usually the same supplier the previous occupier used, because gas and electricity supply does not stop when people move out. When you move in, you are automatically placed on that supplier’s standard variable tariff under a ‘deemed contract’, and you can switch to a cheaper deal […]

Energy comparison sites can save you money, but how much depends on the tariff you are currently on, how much energy you use and whether you act on what the site shows you. If you sit on a standard variable tariff at the Ofgem price cap, a good fixed deal found through comparison can cut […]

Content in this article What Are Standing Charges on Energy Bills? Costs typically covered by standing charges How Much Are Standing Charges in 2026? Average standing charges under the 2026 price cap How Much Energy Does a Typical Household Use? Typical domestic consumption values used by Ofgem Have Standing Charges Increased in Recent Years? Example […]

Content in this article What Is a No Standing Charge Energy Tariff? How these tariffs work What Is a Standard Variable Tariff? Key features of a standard variable tariff How the Ofgem Energy Price Cap Affects SVTs Comparing No Standing Charge Tariffs and Standard Variable Tariffs Tariff comparison Who Benefits Most From Each Tariff? No […]