Household energy guidance
Clear, practical information to help you understand energy bills, your rights, and ways to reduce energy costs safely.
Who this page is for
This page is for people who want to:
- Better understand their gas or electricity bills
- Know their rights when dealing with an energy supplier
- Find ways to reduce energy use safely
- Learn what support may be available
You do not need specialist knowledge. Everything here is written in plain language.
Start with the basics
If energy feels confusing or overwhelming, these guides are a good place to start.
You will find explanations of:
- How energy bills work
- What different charges mean
- Common problems and how to deal with them
Your rights as an energy customer
Energy suppliers must follow rules designed to protect customers.
Our guides explain:
- Your rights if you are struggling to pay
- What suppliers must do to offer support
- What to do if you think something is wrong
Reducing energy use safely
Small changes can sometimes make a difference, especially in hard-to-heat homes.
We focus on:
- Safe ways to reduce energy use
- Low-cost or no-cost actions
- What to avoid if it could put your health at risk
When things go wrong
If you are dealing with:
- Debt or arrears
- Meter problems
- Disputes with a supplier
- Threats of disconnection
We explain what steps to take and where to get help.
Dealing with supplier problems
If you are struggling right now
If you are finding it hard to afford energy costs, you may be able to get help.
You can:
- Check whether you may be eligible for support
- Apply for help
- Find other organisations that may be able to assist
How our guidance is written
All household guidance is:
- Written in plain English
- Reviewed regularly
- Independent and non-commercial
We do not promote suppliers or products.
Take your time
You do not need to read everything at once.
You can return to these guides whenever you need them.