Utilities and Switching
Getting the best deal on consumer products is the best way to make sure you are keeping costs as low as possible. In most cases, you can make savings by switching providers at the right time.
Switching Energy Providers
Switch energy supplier or tariff
You might be able to save money on your energy bills by switching to a better deal. This could involve changing your tariff and staying with your current supplier or switching to a new supplier.
(opens in new window)
Please Note
There's a different process for switching energy supplier if you’re in debt.
Sign up to a Switching App
You might be able to save money on your bills by switching to a better deal. Using Open Banking, ApTap is a free and easy to use tool to help you stay on top of all of your bills and subscriptions across all of your bank accounts.
ApTap will automatically find and organise all of your bills to find the best deals on the market based on your spending and service usage. It can help you take take control and simply switch broadband or energy within minutes.
(opens in new window)
Sign up to an auto-switching service
You can sign up for Auto-Switching service with Switchd or Look After My Bills. These companies will check the market for you and switch you to the best deal before you end up on your supplier’s expensive out-of-contract tariff. This might not be the cheapest tariff, so it's always best to keep an eye on what you're being switched to.
Because many energy companies are struggling, you won't find as many tariffs as normal. If you don’t find a better tariff than the one you’re on it’s probably better to wait until deals are available again.
Money Savings Expert's Energy Club can help you auto-switch or pick the best tariff and compare deals.
Auto switching(opens in new window)Look after my bills
(opens in new window)Money Saving Expert's Energy Club
(opens in new window)
Please Note
If you need more immediate help with energy matters, check out our Energy section.
Switching Other Services
You can switch providers for other services such as:
- mobile phone contracts
- broadband
- banking
- insurance
You should always check if your existing supplier has a minimum contract period or if your renewal period is due to expire. If you don’t check you could end up paying for two contracts until the old one expires or be hit with Early Termination Charges.
Our public advice pages on reducing your regular living costs is a good place to start. It offers switching advice and other useful tips aimed at reducing everyday costs. Depending on the product, there are different considerations you should think about before switching. Use our advice on switching broadband, phone or TV provider to make sure you've thought about your decision before moving to a new provider.
Other switching services you can use for these costs include:
If you're having issues with providers or worried about your energy bills, our public advice pages have information on what to do if you are struggling with your energy bills.
Cheap Tariffs for those on Benefits
Check out low cost phone and broadband tariffs
To help those on low incomes, certain providers are offering low-cost packages for cheap phone calls and broadband.
These products are not endorsed by Citizens Advice Scotland but might be able to help you get cheaper tariffs for your telephone and internet packages.
The regulator Ofcom has a list of all available social tariffs for people on low incomes. Social tariffs can provide a safety net for eligible households who may be struggling to afford the broadband or telephone services.
Ofcom's table of Low Cost Phone and Broadband Social Tariffs(opens in new window)
Check if Home Energy Scotland can make your energy bills cheaper
Home Energy Scotland is a national service that provides free advice to Scottish households on how to make your home warmer, use less energy and reduce your energy bills.
Their specialist advisers can help you get national and local funding as well as other energy-efficiency measures. Home Energy Scotland Funding Finder can help you find the best available options and grants.
Home Energy Scotland will carry out an assessment of your home to assess your energy efficiency. From this assessment, Home Energy Scotland can advise you on energy-saving measures you can make. It can also advise if you're eligible for any energy saving grants on Energy Saving Trust's website.
Home Energy Scotland(opens in new window)Home Energy Scotland's Funding Finder
(opens in new window)
Check if there is an Area Based Energy Scheme delivered by your local council
Area Based Schemes delivered by your local council will depend on where you live. Changeworks have a list of participating local councils who provide support.
Changeworks' Local Area Based Energy Schemes(opens in new window)
Check if you can get additional energy support from EnergyCarers team?
Energy Savings Trust operate the Energycarers Team who can do home visits and provide extra help if you need it.
The Energycarer service is available to Scottish residents, through the Home Energy Scotland programme. You can call Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282. For more information on the service, including what it provides, visit the link below.
Energycarer Support Scotland(opens in new window)
Please Note
For more tips on making your energy work better for you, check out our Energy Section.
Get on the Priority Services Register
You can ask for extra help from your energy supplier by asking to be placed on the Priority Services Register. This is available for people who are considered “vulnerable” such as pensioners, disabled people or people with mental health issues. The services offered will depend on your own situation but might include:
- support with meter readings
- moving your energy meters free of charge
- sending your bills or correspondence to a person of your choice, for example your carer or family member.
(opens in new window)