Money Matters: Why paying your energy bills equally across 12 months makes sense

Unpredictable energy bills can make it harder to stay on top of your finances, and unsurprisingly, it’s the colder months that usually deliver the biggest shocks – but that doesn’t need to be the case.

In this week’s Money Matters column, Dan Bebbington, Housing Plus Group’s debt and energy manager, talks us through how you can make your energy costs steadier and reduce some of your financial stress.

One way many people choose to make their budgeting more manageable is by spreading their energy costs evenly across the year through 12 fixed monthly payments through a direct debit.

Instead of paying much higher bills in winter and lower amounts during the summer, these fixed payments aim to average out your yearly energy use, so you pay a similar amount each month, so no nasty surprises! For many households, this can make budgeting feel more predictable and less stressful.

This can be especially helpful if unit rates change or when a fixed tariff comes to an end and you move onto a new deal, which may be cheaper or more expensive.

Having a consistent monthly payment can help you:

· Plan your household budget more easily

· Avoid seasonal spikes in bills during winter

· Manage the impact of changing energy prices or tariffs

· Reduce the risk of falling behind after periods of high energy use

· Feel more in control of your finances month to month

Of course, it’s still important to keep an eye on your account. Energy suppliers regularly review payments based on actual usage, so if your circumstances change or you think your monthly amount is too high or too low, it’s always worth contacting them.

Making sure you’re submitting regular meter readings or checking your smart meter is working properly can also help make sure your payments are as accurate as possible and avoid any unexpected adjustments later down the line.

Sometimes, making bills more predictable can make a big difference – not just to your budget, but also to your peace of mind.

If you are worried about your energy bills or usage, speak to your energy supplier or a charity such as Marches Energy Agency, LEAP (Local Energy Advice Partners) and National Energy Action.

Housing Plus Group’s customers can also contact our dedicated Energy Advisors, in partnership with the Cadent Foundation, for advice and support.

22nd May 2026