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Energy and utilities

Electricity, solar, heating, tariffs and efficiency.

Featured decision guides

Comparison · Electricity and gas plans

Fixed-rate or variable energy plan: how to decide

A fixed plan holds the unit rate for the contract term, which gives budgeting certainty but usually comes with an exit charge and no benefit if wholesale costs fall. A variable plan moves with the supplier's costs or a published index, so bills can rise or fall without notice. Compare how rates are set, what ends the lock, and what leaving early costs.

How to choose · Solar panels

How to choose a rooftop solar installer

Judge installers on certification, the quality of the site assessment, equipment transparency, warranty structure and who handles grid connection and paperwork. A good quote follows a roof inspection or detailed imagery, names components, explains shading and orientation losses, and states who supports the system if the installer closes. Schemes and rules vary by country, so check your energy agency's accreditation list.

How to choose · Home batteries

How to size a home battery

Size on two separate numbers: energy capacity, which sets how long the battery can supply your evening and overnight load, and power output, which sets how many appliances it can run at once. Study your own interval data, your solar surplus, and whether you want backup during outages. Oversizing leaves capacity idle; undersizing leaves expensive grid use at peak times.

Comparison · Heating systems

Heat pump or boiler when replacing a heating system

A boiler makes heat by burning fuel at high flow temperature; a heat pump moves heat from air, ground or water and works best delivering lower-temperature heat over long periods. The decision turns on the building's heat loss, the emitters, available space, local energy prices, and the support rules in your country. A heat-loss survey, not a sales visit, should set the answer.

Electricity and gas plans

Tariff types and switching suppliers.

Solar panels

Home and business solar.

Home batteries

Storage with or without solar.

Heating systems

Boilers, heat pumps and controls.

Energy efficiency

Insulation, audits and smart controls.

EV charging at home

Chargers, tariffs and installation.

Business energy

Commercial supply, procurement and efficiency.

Water and utilities

Water efficiency and household utilities.

Questions people ask in energy and utilities

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