New UK Energy App Launches as Wholesale Gas Prices Double - Helping Households Lock In Deals Before They Disappear

With many households even now already looking nervously toward next Christmas, with energy prices surging as ever, people are wondering how they'll be able to afford Christmas, let alone keeping the house warm and the family fed next winter.

However, there's good news on the horizon for UK households, because a new energy monitoring platform has launched to help UK households find and lock in better tariffs as wholesale gas prices surge and suppliers begin reviewing their fixed-rate deals.

EnergyScan (energyscan.co.uk) combines AI-powered bill analysis, whole-of-market tariff comparison, and smart meter data to track energy prices daily and alert users when a cheaper tariff becomes available.

The launch comes as wholesale gas prices briefly hit 151p per therm this week, following disruption to Qatari LNG production amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East. 

Prices rose an eye-watering 93% in a week, reaching levels not seen since 2023. Analysts warn suppliers could begin withdrawing their cheapest fixed deals if wholesale volatility continues.

Households on standard variable tariffs are currently paying up to £1,758 per year under the Ofgem price cap. While the cap will fall to £1,568 from 1 April 2026, the calculation was made before the recent wholesale spike, meaning future caps could rise if prices remain elevated.

EnergyScan aims to simplify switching by analysing real household energy use rather than relying on estimated “typical consumption” figures often used by comparison sites.

Users upload or photograph their energy bill and the platform’s AI automatically extracts usage data, tariff details, unit rates, standing charges, exit fees and contract end dates. The system then compares the information with tariffs across the market in under a minute.

Subscribers receive alerts when a deal appears that would save them money after accounting for any exit fees. Those who connect their smart meter can also access an energy dashboard showing daily costs in pounds, bill forecasts, direct debit checks and tariff modelling based on real half-hourly usage data.

EnergyScan costs £29 per year, although a one-off bill comparison is available free of charge.

The company receives a flat commission of £20 per fuel (£40 for dual fuel) if a user switches supplier through the platform. The commission is disclosed during comparisons and does not vary between suppliers.

“Most comparison sites earn variable commissions that aren’t always transparent,” EnergyScan founder Steve Middleton told That's Christmas 365. 

“We charge a clear subscription and a fixed commission so our incentive is simply to keep finding customers better deals over time.”

EnergyScan is operated by SCM Digitech Limited. The platform uses tariff data from The Energy Shop and smart meter data from n3rgy Data Ltd through the UK’s national DCC network.

A free bill check is available at app.energyscan.co.uk/free-check.

Christmas Doesn’t End on 25 December – Help Is Available If You Need It

Don't worry. Help is available

For many people, Christmas is a season of generosity, warmth, and togetherness. But once the decorations come down and January arrives, reality can feel very different. 

Bills land on the doormat, credit card statements appear, and household costs suddenly feel heavier than ever.

If you’re finding yourself in a difficult financial situation in the post-Christmas period, please know this: you are not alone, and help is available.

Needing support is not a failure. It’s a reflection of the pressures many households face right now – especially during winter.

Foodbanks: No One Should Go Hungry

Across the UK, foodbanks exist to make sure nobody has to choose between heating and eating.

The Trussell Trust supports a nationwide network of foodbanks that provide emergency food parcels to individuals and families in crisis. Many operate discreetly and with compassion, often alongside additional support such as advice services. https://www.trussell.org.uk

Local independent foodbanks, church-run pantries, and community hubs may also be available in your area. GP surgeries, schools, councils, and charities can often help with referrals or point you in the right direction.

If you are struggling to put food on the table, reaching out is an act of strength.

Help With Energy Bills: Gas & Electricity Support

Winter energy bills can be frightening, particularly after the expense of Christmas.

Charities such as Citizens Advice can help you understand your options, check you’re receiving all the support you’re entitled to, and speak to energy suppliers on your behalf if needed.

The Energy Saving Trust also offers guidance on reducing energy use, improving efficiency, and accessing grants or schemes that may help lower costs in the long term.

If you’re behind on payments, don’t ignore the problem. Many suppliers have hardship funds or payment plans available – but you usually have to ask.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk

https://energysavingtrust.org.uk

Struggling With Water Bills?

If water charges are causing stress, there is help.

Some households may qualify for WaterSure, a scheme that caps water bills for eligible customers on certain benefits or with medical needs that require higher water use.

Your local water provider may also offer social tariffs, payment plans, or hardship funds. Speaking to them early can prevent matters escalating.

https://www.iwnl.co.uk/help-and-advice/watersure

Debt Worries: Free, Confidential Advice

If Christmas spending, rising costs, or unexpected expenses have left you worried about debt, free and confidential advice is available.

The StepChange offers practical support, budgeting help, and debt solutions tailored to your situation. There is no judgement – just clear, calm advice from people who understand.

You don’t have to face financial worries on your own, and you don’t have to make decisions in panic.

https://www.stepchange.org

A Quiet Reminder From That’s Christmas 365

Christmas is about kindness, compassion, and community – and those values don’t expire when January begins.

If you need help, please reach out.

If you know someone who may be struggling, please check in on them.

If you’re in a position to help others, even in a small way, that kindness matters more than ever.

From all of us at That’s Christmas 365, we send warmth, understanding, and hope to anyone finding this season difficult. Christmas lives on in care for one another – every day of the year.