Nearly half of households are implementing energy-saving measures this winter due to soaring energy bills, a recent study has found. A survey conducted by MoneySuperMarket revealed that 45% of respondents have postponed turning on their heating this winter compared to the previous year. Additionally, 10% reported disagreements within their families regarding heating usage, while 6% expressed concerns that inadequate heating at home had led to illness among household members.
As the energy price cap is set to rise to an average of £1,758 per year for numerous households, a 0.2% increase from the previous period, bills are now 50% higher than when the cap was initially introduced in 2019. The survey also indicated that over half of households believe their cost of living has worsened over the past year, with 31% having had to make financial cutbacks.
Laura Hinton, representing MoneySuperMarket Energy, commented on the current situation, highlighting the financial strain many households are facing due to rising energy costs and other expenses. She emphasized the importance of energy efficiency practices, such as careful heating management, utilizing energy-efficient appliances for cooking, and reducing festive lighting to cope with the financial pressure.
To address escalating energy costs, Hinton suggested exploring fixed-rate energy deals as an option to save money and shield against future price hikes. Switching to a fixed deal can potentially save customers up to £395. Moreover, installing a smart meter can help monitor real-time energy consumption, providing insights into energy expenditure and identifying power-consuming appliances.
In addition to these strategies, the Energy Saving Trust has compiled 12 tips to assist households in minimizing energy expenses during the holiday season. These include adjusting boiler temperatures, using draught excluders, optimizing dishwasher and washing machine usage, moderating thermostat settings, and embracing energy-efficient cooking practices.
Other recommendations from the Energy Saving Trust involve utilizing electric ovens for batch cooking, keeping pan lids on while cooking, maintaining oven door closures, switching to LED or solar-powered Christmas lights, and employing timers for lighting and appliances to conserve energy and reduce electricity costs. Further energy-saving tips encompass allowing leftovers to cool before freezing, opting for rechargeable batteries over disposable ones, and adopting sustainable practices to cut down on energy consumption and waste.