British Gas, OVO, EDF, Eon, Octopus customers on 'standard tariff' warned

British Gas, OVO, Octopus, EDF and EON households have been warned on the "standard tariff" have been warned. Households face lower bills thanks to the Ofgem energy price cap which kicked off on July 1 - but they could take their outgoings even lower.

James Longley, managing director at Utility Bidder commented: “With Ofgem’s energy price cap [falling by seven per cent], there will be UK customers out there questioning whether now is the right time to switch to a fixed energy deal.

"More than 90 per cent of UK homes pay the standard tariff and the full price cap.” Mr Longley continued: “Recent projections indicate that the price cap will go back up four percent to around £1,630 in October, and a similar rate could be in place for the start of 2025.

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“Of the major energy companies offering fixed rate deals at this current time, all offer fixed deals to existing customers, with a large majority offering incentives to new customers as well.

“It would be recommended that you look into and compare comparison sites to find the best deals for fixing your energy, and this should be only considered if you are locking in the cheapest rate. For example, Octopus Energy offers a 12-month fix to all new and existing customers at seven percent less than the price cap with no exit fees.”

Mr Longley noted: “Ecotricity offers a deal up to nine percent less - but with more sticking points such as an exit fee and the need for a smart meter.” Mr Longley said: “Electricity and gas users should try, where possible, to limit their usage during peak hours of the day.

“Other lifestyle changes which you will reap the benefits of include minimal tweaks such as switching your appliances off when you’re not using them, rather than leaving them on standby, or more long-term solutions include removing your gas boiler or installing solar panels.”

Mr Longley warned: “The more windows left open, the more hot air from the outdoors that can enter your home. Just like in winter, cross-ventilation is key, and we advise opening different windows around the house in small doses, which will let any breeze flow through. Also, the later at night it is, the more windows you can then open ready for a cooled home to wake up in.”

He explained: “These can be utilised in rooms you are occupying, but leaving them on in unoccupied rooms should be avoided, as these appliances move air around and don’t actually cool it. It is also important to note that lowering your thermostat drastically doesn’t cool your home faster.

“Air conditioning units won’t typically operate at a consistent pace and lowering your thermostat as low as possible will just mean it is working for longer. Instead, you should gradually lower the temperature in small bursts until you hit the sweet spot you want.”