Consumer analysts are urging millions of households in the UK to take action as many could save up to £265 in energy bill costs. How can you claim?
Research conducted by USwitch has found Britons are losing potentially significant savings by ignoring their energy bills.
The firm's findings show nearly four million homes fall into the category of "Energy Ostriches" – people who avoid thinking about energy costs.
These households could each save around £265 a year by switching from standard variable tariffs to fixed deals.
If all seven million households currently on standard tariffs switched, the total savings would reach £1.9billion.
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With the energy price cap under industry regulator Ofgem set to rise from £1,720 to £1,755 this October, the timing is critical for families.
If all seven million households currently on standard tariffs switched, the total savings would reach £1.9billion.
"Energy Ostriches" rarely check their meters, avoid bill reviews, and miss out on cost-cutting tips.
In contrast, six million "Energy Owls" actively manage their energy usage, check tariffs, and track their bills.
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The difference is striking: 40 per cent of Energy Owls believe they get good value from their tariff, compared with just 11 per cent of Energy Ostriches.
Meanwhile, 18 million "Energy Otters" sit in the middle – trying to stay on top of bills but often missing better deals.
Confidence levels also vary sharply between groups. Over half of Energy Owls (53 per cent) are confident their bills are accurate, compared with only 21 per cent of Energy Ostriches.
Half of Owls feel in control of their bills, while just 19 per cent of Ostriches feel the same.
Smart meter usage follows the same pattern, with three-quarters of Owls using them versus 62% of Ostriches.
Uswitch energy expert Ben Gallizzi said: "The price cap is rising again on October 1, so now is a great time to look at switching to a new energy tariff."
He added that households keeping a close eye on usage and deals are four times more likely to say their tariff is good value for money.
Several fixed deals are currently available that undercut the October cap by about £265.
Fixed deals can undercut the October cap by about £265.
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Outfox Energy’s 12-month fixed tariff costs £1,490 a year, with similar offers available from Fuse Energy and others.
Most come with exit fees of £50 to £75 per fuel if customers switch early.
Energy bills have been on a turbulent path over the past year. Wholesale prices fell back after the 2022 energy crisis, but households are still paying far more than before the spike.
The October price cap increase highlights how volatile the market remains, with families left exposed to global shocks. At the same time, the Government is pressing ahead with net zero targets for 2050.
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"Energy Owls" actively manage their energy usage, check tariffs, and track their bills.
|Uswitch
Improving energy efficiency in homes, cutting waste, and encouraging people to engage with their bills are all seen as crucial step by stakeholders.
The message from energy campaigners is that households have a role to play by carrying out everyday tasks.
These include reducing demand, installing smart meters, and making informed choices about tariffs, families can ease pressure on the grid while lowering costs.
In the long run, campaigners claim small changes could support both household budgets and the UK’s wider climate goals.