Utility bill advice

The best way to pay your utility bills is usually by Direct Debit. This means you’ll pay your supplier a set amount every month which will then usually be reviewed every six months to a year. Having a Direct Debit means your bills will always be paid on time and you won’t face late payment charges. Some suppliers even offer discounts when you pay by Direct Debit so it’s a win-win!

You could also wait for your bill to come in then pay it over the phone, by using a PayPoint card or at the bank. You can choose to pay weekly, fortnightly or monthly on a PayPoint card. Some customers may also have a prepayment meter which allows you to pay for your energy before you use it. Remember if you don’t top the meter up, your gas and electricity won’t work. 

It’s really important you understand your water bill so you know what you’re paying for. Money Advice Service have some tips on how to read your water meter and save money on your water bill.

Your water supplier might include sewerage charges as a part of your water bill. But if your sewerage is supplied by a different company to the one that supplies your water, you might get two separate bills. If you’re not sure, the best thing to do is contact your water supplier to double check.

Some suppliers also offer low income households a discounted rate so make sure you check the small print.

They can be confusing, but you can find some great advice about understanding your gas and electricity bill by uswitch.

Your bill should tell you if there’s a cheaper tariff available but you can also check online to see if you can get a better deal through comparison sites. You can find out all about switching and learn more about some of the extra financial support you may qualify for to help with your energy bills by visiting our energy saving tips pages.

If you would like help to compare energy prices, call us on 0345 141 4663. You will need an up to date, actual bill for this to be accurate.

1 in 3 people in the UK worry about paying their bills every month. So if you’re wondering how you can lower the cost of your bills, you’re not alone. So a good place to start is by following our energy saving tips.

It’s also really important to get all the help you’re entitled to. If you’re not sure what benefits you can claim, take a look at our benefits advice information or try our free benefit calculator.