Research has unveiled that almost half of households are adjusting their energy consumption this winter due to soaring bills. A survey by MoneySuperMarket revealed that 45% of respondents have delayed using heating compared to last year, with 10% experiencing disagreements over heating usage and 6% fearing household members falling ill due to inadequate heating.
As Ofgem’s price cap is set to rise to an average of £1,758 annually for numerous households, a 0.2% increase from the previous period, bills are now 50% higher than when the cap was introduced in 2019.
More than half of households feel that the cost of living has worsened in the past year, leading to 31% making financial cutbacks. Laura Hinton from MoneySuperMarket Energy mentioned that households are managing energy costs by using heating judiciously, opting for energy-efficient appliances, and reducing festive lighting.
Additionally, households can monitor real-time energy usage by installing smart meters. The Energy Saving Trust has also shared 12 tips to help reduce energy bills during the festive season.
Lowering boiler flow temperature, using draught excluders for chimneys, maximizing dishwasher and washing machine usage, adjusting thermostat settings, and embracing energy-saving practices can lead to significant savings. Employing electric ovens for batch cooking, keeping pan lids on while cooking, maintaining oven doors closed, and switching to LED or solar Christmas lights are effective ways to cut energy costs. Utilizing timers for Christmas lights, freezing leftovers after cooling, and opting for rechargeable batteries also contribute to energy efficiency and cost savings.