Are you due a refund?

Martin Lewis says May is the ideal month to review your energy account and see whether you are holding too much credit with your supplier.

The reason is that early May is usually when balances in the yearly direct debit cycle reach their lowest point. From this stage onward, many households begin rebuilding credit to help cover energy use during the next winter period.

Main Points About Claiming Back Extra Credit

The “Six-Week” Guideline:
If your account currently holds more than roughly six weeks’ worth of your Direct Debit payments — around one and a half months — this could indicate that your monthly payments are higher than necessary.

Submit Accurate Meter Readings:
Before asking for any refund, it is important to provide an up-to-date meter reading, or check that your smart meter has recently transmitted one. This ensures the balance reflects your real usage rather than estimated figures.

Energy Suppliers’ Responsibilities:
Ofgem rules require suppliers to keep Direct Debits fair and reasonable. They are also expected to return excess credit when customers request it, as long as the account remains financially stable.

Steps to Review and Reclaim Credit

Sign in to your account:
Use your supplier’s app or website — such as British Gas, Octopus Energy, or OVO Energy — to review your current balance.

Compare your balance against your Direct Debit:
For example, if you pay £200 per month and your account is sitting more than £300 in credit during May, there is a strong chance you could reclaim some of that money.

Ask for the refund:
Many providers now offer refund requests through online account management tools, live chat, or Direct Debit settings pages.

Review old supplier accounts:
If you have changed providers recently, it is also worth checking closed accounts, as millions of pounds in unused customer credit is still believed to be sitting with former suppliers.

Important:
Energy analysts expect the Energy Price Cap to increase in July 2026. Because of this, some households may decide to leave a modest amount of credit on their account to help manage potentially higher bills later in the year.

How To Compare The Best Home Energy Deals

Quick answer:
To compare the best energy deals, you need to look at your annual energy usage, compare unit rates and standing charges, understand tariff types, and use a trusted comparison service that shows the full cost — not just headline prices.

With energy prices still unpredictable, switching energy suppliers remains one of the simplest ways to reduce household bills. Yet many households stay on expensive default tariffs simply because comparing energy deals feels confusing or time-consuming.

This guide explains exactly how to compare energy deals step by step — and how to make sure switching genuinely saves you money.

Why Is It Important to Compare Energy Deals?

Energy suppliers regularly introduce new tariffs, discounts, and incentives. At the same time, many households remain on standard variable tariffs, which are often among the most expensive options available.

By comparing energy deals, you can:

• Reduce your annual energy bills

• Avoid overpaying when fixed deals end

• Access greener or smarter tariffs

• Stay in control as prices change

For most households, checking energy deals at least once a year can lead to meaningful savings.

What Information Do You Need to Compare Energy Deals?

To get accurate comparisons, you’ll need:

• Your postcode

• Your current supplier and tariff type

• Your estimated annual gas and electricity usage (kWh)

If you don’t know your exact usage, most comparison tools can estimate it based on your household size and property type. This is usually accurate enough for reliable results.

Important: Annual usage matters more than unit price alone. A tariff that looks cheap can still cost more overall if standing charges are high.

How Do You Compare Energy Deals Properly?

1. Look at Unit Rates

The unit rate is the price you pay per kWh of gas or electricity. Lower unit rates usually benefit higher-usage households the most.

2. Check Standing Charges

Standing charges are daily fees you pay regardless of usage. Some tariffs offset low unit rates with higher standing charges, increasing the total annual cost.

3. Compare Total Annual Cost

Monthly estimates can be misleading. Always compare the full annual cost based on your usage — this gives a more accurate picture of value.

Should You Choose a Fixed or Variable Energy Tariff?

Fixed-Rate Tariffs

• Prices are locked in for 12–24 months

• Easier to budget

• Protect against price rises

Variable Tariffs

• Prices change with the market

• Usually no exit fees

• Can increase during volatile periods

For most households, a competitive fixed tariff offers greater peace of mind — especially when energy prices are uncertain.

Are Exit Fees and Contract Length Important?

Yes. When comparing energy deals, always check:

• How long the tariff lasts

• Whether there are exit fees for leaving early

Exit fees can reduce savings if you need to switch again before the contract ends.

Does Supplier Reputation Matter?

Price is important, but service quality also affects your experience. When comparing suppliers, consider:

• Customer reviews

• Billing accuracy

• Smart meter support

• Payment options such as direct debit or prepayment

The cheapest deal isn’t always the best if customer service problems cost you time and stress later.

Are Green Energy Tariffs More Expensive?

Not anymore.

Many renewable electricity tariffs now cost the same as standard options. Some suppliers also offer:

• 100% renewable electricity

• Carbon-offset gas

• Smart tariffs with cheaper off-peak rates

• EV-friendly plans

Switching to a greener tariff often doesn’t mean paying more.

What Is the Best Way to Compare Energy Deals?

The easiest and safest way is to use a trusted energy comparison website that:

• Compares the whole market

• Shows full costs, including standing charges

• Filters deals based on your priorities

• Handles the switch with no disruption to supply

Switching energy supplier is free, safe, and usually takes less than five minutes.

Common Energy Comparison Mistakes to Avoid

• Only comparing monthly estimates

• Ignoring standing charges

• Forgetting when fixed deals end

• Avoiding switching out of habit

Energy loyalty rarely leads to lower bills — regular comparison does.

How Often Should You Compare Energy Deals?

You should compare energy deals:

• Once a year

• When your fixed tariff is ending

• After major price changes

• If your household usage changes

Even if you don’t switch, comparing keeps you informed and prepared.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my energy supply be interrupted if I switch?
No. Your gas and electricity supply remains on throughout the switch.

Does switching energy supplier affect my credit score?
No. Switching does not impact your credit rating.

How long does switching take?
Typically between 5 and 21 days.

Can renters switch energy suppliers?
Yes, as long as you pay the energy bills.

Final Answer: How Do You Find the Best Energy Deal?

The best energy deal is the one with:

• The lowest total annual cost

• A tariff length that suits your needs

• Transparent pricing

• A reliable supplier

Comparing energy deals regularly remains one of the simplest ways to reduce household bills and stay in control of your energy costs.