Why has my energy price changed?
Your energy price can change due to a dynamic price review, which adjusts your payments based on your actual usage. If you’ve used more energy than expected, your monthly payment may increase to cover the cost. Submitting regular meter readings (or having a smart meter) ensures your bills are accurate and prevents overestimated charges.
Understanding your energy price change
Your energy price isn’t fixed to a set monthly amount – it’s based on what you actually use. Here’s why your payments may have changed:
1. Your usage has increased
- If you’ve used more energy than originally estimated, your supplier will adjust your payments to ensure your account stays balanced.
- Seasonal changes (such as higher heating use in winter) can lead to increased consumption.
💡 Tip: Keeping an eye on your usage with a smart meter or regular readings can help you budget more accurately.
2. Estimated usage vs. actual usage
- If you haven’t provided meter readings, your bills may be based on estimated usage.
- If these estimates are lower than what you’ve actually used, your supplier may adjust your payments once they receive an actual reading.
⚠️ Warning: If you don’t submit readings, estimates may increase over time, leading to higher payments even if your usage hasn’t changed.
3. Previous underpayments
- If your payments weren’t covering your actual energy use, your supplier may increase your monthly payments to prevent debt from building up.
💡 Tip: Checking your energy account regularly can help you stay on top of your payments and avoid unexpected increases.
4. Fixed tariff doesn’t mean fixed monthly payments
If you’re on a fixed tariff, it’s important to understand that this doesn’t mean your monthly payment is fixed. Instead, a fixed tariff means:
- Your unit rate (price per kWh) and standing charge stay the same for the length of your contract.
- Your monthly payment may still change if you use more or less energy than expected.
For more details, see our guide: What’s the difference between fixed, standard variable, and unlimited energy tariffs?
How to keep your energy payments stable
- Submit regular meter reading: This ensures your bills are based on actual usage, not estimates.
- Monitor your energy usage: A smart meter or in-home display can help track how much energy you’re using.
- Check for energy-saving opportunities: Reducing your consumption can help lower your future bills.