Energy bills to rise for millions - here are three savings hacks YOU need to know to protect your money

Households still have time to prepare their finances ahead of Ofgem's energy price cap hike this summer, with hundreds of pounds in savings up for grabs.Earlier today, the energy regulator confirmed the annual and electricity bill will rise from £1,641 to £1,862; representing a 13 per cent or £221 hike typical household.The increase, which takes effect in July, is the latest in a string of cost-of-living pressures that have squeezed family finances in recent years. But money-saving experts say there is a practical way for many workers to offset the hit , and most people aren't taking advantage of it.Britons are reminded to check if they qualify for any freebie benefits through their profession, with discounts being available for both NHS workers and teachers.Dave Cawley, the finance director at Discounts for Teachers, says the rise will be a real concern for households already feeling the strain. He explained: A £200 increase to household energy bills will understandably be worrying for many people, especially after several years of continued pressure on everyday costs. When bills rise this sharply, it can often feel like households have very little control, but there are still ways people can reduce the financial impact. Even relatively small savings across energy, groceries, and household spending can quickly add up over the course of a year.LATEST DEVELOPMENTSFurious Britons blast Labour as energy bills set for fresh summer hike: 'They don't care about us!'GB News Personal Finance Correspondent Temie Laleye shares tips to cut energy billsEnergy bill mistake costing Britons £248 in savings as millions brace for price cap hike1. Use the savings already available to youOne of the most overlooked tools for workers is sector-specific savings platforms — and the numbers suggest they can make a meaningful difference. Platforms such as Discounts for Teachers and Health Service Discounts give members access to discounts on everyday essentials, including utilities. Members save an average of £17.80 a month on gas and electricity, which is the equivalent of £213.60 a year, broadly enough to cover the full energy bill increase on its own.Mr Crawley added: We're seeing members save an average of over £200 annually on gas and electricity alone. At a time when every pound matters, taking advantage of discounts, reviewing household bills, and making small adjustments to energy usage can make a genuine difference to monthly budgets.The savings extend beyond utilities too. On groceries, a category where food prices rose around 25 per cent between 2022 and 2024, members save an average of £21.60 a month (£259.20 a year), further easing the pressure on stretched household budgets.2. Review your energy tariff nowAnalysts note that many households are sitting on variable tariffs without realising better deals may be available. With another price rise confirmed for this summer, now is a good time to check what you're currently paying and whether switching could bring costs down. Some energy suppliers also offer account credit or sign-up incentives for new customers, which can provide a useful short-term boost while prices remain elevated.3. Use the summer to prepare for winterWarmer months mean lower heating use, but they also offer a practical window to get your home energy-ready before temperatures drop again. Simple checks like bleeding radiators, inspecting windows and doors for draughts, servicing your boiler and reviewing insulation can all help heating systems run more efficiently when needed most. Doing this now avoids last-minute problems come autumn, and can cut waste and costs once usage picks back up. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter