About Golden Rate
Plain-English household energy, written and edited independently.
Golden Rate is an independent online publication covering the parts of household energy that most readers only look up once they are already confused: how the Ofgem price cap works, what the standing charge is for, how to read a meter, and the small household changes that genuinely lower a bill.
We are not a comparison site. We do not take commission from suppliers and we do not recommend one tariff over another. The industry changes too often, and the right answer depends on who is reading. Where a number depends on a date (a price cap figure, a VAT rate, a grant amount) we say the period it applies to and point you to the official source, so you can always check the current figure.
How we work
Articles are researched and written by the Golden Rate editors. We rely on primary sources: Ofgem, GOV.UK, Citizens Advice, Energy Saving Trust and the UK statutory bodies that publish the actual rules. If a figure is not in one of those sources, we say so.
We correct mistakes. If you spot an error or a stale link, email [email protected] and we will fix the piece with a short note at the foot of the article.
What we do not do
- We do not give personal financial advice. For your own household, speak to Citizens Advice or your supplier.
- We do not sell energy, insurance or any financial product.
- We do not publish paid-for reviews of suppliers or tariffs.
If you are struggling to pay
Contact your supplier first: suppliers must by law help customers in difficulty, and will often agree a payment plan. If that does not work, Citizens Advice offers free one-to-one help, and GOV.UK lists the current schemes for bill support.
Image credits
- “UK electricity meter cabinet” by valenta, CC BY-SA 2.0 — source.
- “Smart prepayment meter installed in a UK flat” by SpicyPhoto, CC0 / Public domain — source.
- “Gas hob on a kitchen worktop” by Stonesynergyimages, CC BY-SA 4.0 — source.
- “Radiator thermostat” by 247homerescue, CC0 / Public domain — source.
- “Logarex smart household electricity meter” by RobbieIanMorrison, CC BY 4.0 — source.
Logo and diagrams: original to Golden Rate.