Clare Casalis

Senior Energy & Utilities Analyst

Clare joined MSE in September 2021 after a career as a chartered accountant. She started out as a writer on MSE's Money team, exploring everything from student loans to pensions, before moving across to the Energy and Utilities team in November 2022.

As Senior Energy and Utilities Analyst, Clare is responsible for the quarterly Price Cap updates to our guides, and the daily updates to our popular Should I fix my energy? guide, which explains if it's worth fixing your energy tariff, as well showing the current energy deals available. Clare also helps out on the Cheap Energy Club.

Clare has written several new guides, including Heat pumps explained, Is solar battery storage worth it?, How to switch your energy and, most recently, Winter Fuel Payments.

Outside of work, Clare's passionate about travel and embarks on global adventures with her family as often as she can (on a budget of course!). She also loves running and yoga to keep a healthy body and mind.

Latest from Clare Casalis

Utility Warehouse has two fixed energy deals that are roughly the same price as the January Price Cap on average. This may be a good deal for some, but it's not as simple as just switching your energy, as you have to take other products too. So here we give you the pros and cons of this somewhat controversial provider.

20 February 2025

Whether you're a global jet-setter, or just like taking the odd holiday, this guide will show you how to use your mobile phone abroad as cheaply as possible (and how to avoid racking up a huge bill) – particularly important as some firms have recently changed how they charge for 'roaming' in Europe.

4 February 2025

You don't have to take your state pension when you hit state pension age, currently age 66. If you defer it, you'll get paid a higher amount when you do decide to claim – up to 5.8% a year more in fact. But you'll receive it for a shorter time. Whether it adds up for you will depend on how likely you are to live and your income, so here's what you need to consider.

4 February 2025

The State Pension was increased by 8.5% in April 2024. Most of us will receive some State Pension from the Government when we retire, but it's a complicated system, so understanding what you're entitled to is important. This guide will explain:

4 February 2025

For the millions of people automatically enrolled into a workplace pension, the minimum amount you have to pay in went up in April 2019. But what your employer has to contribute increased too – effectively a hidden pay rise for many. Here's the lowdown on pension auto-enrolment.

30 January 2025

There are freebies on offer from energy providers and local authorities to make your home warmer and more energy efficient. The most common are loft and cavity wall insulation, but there are plenty of other improvements up for grabs. So if you're on benefits and/or live in a home with a low energy performance rating, you might be eligible for free insulation. Here's how to find out...

28 January 2025

White insulating material being applied to external wall of building

Government-backed energy-efficiency measures intended to keep your home warm and lower your bills could instead be putting your property at risk of damp, mould and other serious issues. It comes after an independent body uncovered "widespread cases of poor quality" solid wall insulation fitted since 2022.

28 January 2025

Some older Economy 7 and similar multi-rate electricity meters are set to stop working in June 2025, as the 'Radio Teleswitch Service' (RTS) – which allows these meters to function properly – is due to be switched off. We've full info on how to check if you'll be affected, what it means and what you can do...

27 January 2025

A solar battery allows you to store electricity produced by your solar panels and use it later or, in some cases, sell it back to the grid to make a few quid – but they're not cheap. Read on to see if it's worth getting a solar storage battery for your home...

15 January 2025

An Economy 7 tariff gives a cheaper electricity rate at night and a more expensive one in the day. These tariffs are mainly for those who use night time storage heaters to heat their home and water. Done right, it can save you money. Done wrong, it can cost you more.

8 January 2025

Energy suppliers are installing the next generation of gas and electricity meters, called smart meters, with more than half of British homes now connected to the smart meter network. The Government's ambition is for everyone in England, Scotland and Wales to be offered them at no upfront cost in the next few years. But what exactly are they, should you get them, and what happens if you switch?

8 January 2025

With the cold weather payment, you can get £25 to help with heating bills for each seven-day period of freezing weather during winter. We've full info below on who can get it, how to apply, and how to check if you're due a payment.

8 January 2025

Smart thermostats are a nifty way to control your heating on the go from your phone, tablet or other device. They're touted as a great way to save cash, but they're not cheap – so whether one will save you money depends on how you use it and what type of home you have. We've a few quick need-to-knows about how they work, then the top picks.

7 January 2025

Children in a classroom sitting at blue desks, some have their hands up asking to answer a question.

Financial education is simply about learning how money works. It's a vital life skill yet it's one many of us miss out on.

30 December 2024

There are now 1.5 million solar panels on homes across the UK. As well as saving you money on energy bills, solar panels can earn you cash. And don't worry, they can still generate electricity on gloomy days, vital when the weather's as dull as dishwater. But they cost an average of £7,000, so you need to understand how to work out if the sums add up.

18 December 2024

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The Winter Fuel Payment used to provide all pension-age households with up to £300 to help pay energy bills each winter. Yet the Government has announced sweeping changes this winter. We've full info below on who now qualifies, how to apply (if you need to), and when you can actually expect the cash to be paid.

17 December 2024