We are living in a time where cheap tariffs are difficult to find due to the new Ofgem regulatory price cap, so variation among energy prices remains fairly minimal. This situation has a significant impact on the cost of living as energy expenses are a substantial part of household budgets. Consequently, it’s time to find some alternative ways to reduce energy prices, which will help alleviate the financial burden on households. This can be achieved through using less energy in the home, or by exploring options for subsidies or usage-based charging, which can provide relief to families struggling with their day-to-day living expenses. We will explore things available that could help you reduce you energy bills:
The £200 Discount Towards Household Bills
One of the key ways the government are trying to help to ease the rising cost of energy is by offering households across the UK an upfront discount on their electricity bill. This discount comes in the form of a £200 discount towards household energy bills, as a way of making the drastically rising energy prices easier on those living in the UK.
As well as this, 80% of households in England are set to get a council tax rebate of £150 in April, which is also designed to help with the cost of living crisis. Applying for these discounts may not fix the burden of energy bills on your households, but it is certainly going to help to cover some of the cost.
One thing to keep in mind is that you do have to pay this back in £40 instalments over a period of 5 years beginning in 2023, when the cost of energy is expected to have come back down again.
Take Energy Meter Readings
Taking meter readings before the energy price cap increases in October 2022 is essential. By taking a meter reading, you can prove to your energy supplier how much energy you have used, ensuring that your bill is not based on estimated usage. When your bill relies on estimates, you risk being charged for more energy than you have actually used.
It’s also a good idea to send regular meter readings, preferably every month, to prevent your supplier from overcharging you for energy usage. This becomes especially crucial as we enter the summer months when heating usage decreases, resulting in lower energy consumption.
Lower Your Thermostat
Turning down your thermostat, while it may seem obvious, represents one of the simplest steps toward significant bill savings. Each degree you reduce your thermostat can lead to an average annual cost savings of £65 (in a typical home). While it may be slightly below your usual comfort level, it’s worth noting that the World Health Organization recommends 18 degrees as warm enough for the average adult and pets, making it a comfortable setting for most households. Additionally, it’s important to dispel the myth that keeping your heating on low all day saves more energy—it doesn’t! It’s far more cost-effective to have your heating on only when necessary.
Identify Home Draughts
Draughts in your home may lead to excessive heating usage. Locating these draughts and investing in draught-proofing options, such as draught excluders (or even using towels if you prefer not to purchase one), can make your home feel cozier during the winter. This allows you to lower or use less heating, resulting in reduced energy bills.
Air Dry Your Clothes
Washing machines are essential household appliances, but tumble dryers can significantly contribute to your energy costs due to their heating and spinning elements. Air drying your clothes is a cost-effective alternative that can lead to substantial savings each year. You can eliminate the need for tumble dryers entirely from your laundry routine.
Utilize Extension Leads – Remember to Turn Them Off!
Many devices we use daily, such as game consoles, televisions, and laptops, continue to consume energy even when not in use or in standby mode, silently increasing your bills. Fortunately, there’s a straightforward solution. By using an extension lead, you can plug all your devices into one strip that can be easily turned off at the wall, effectively stopping energy consumption for all connected items simultaneously.
For more great tips and tricks on how to save energy, check out the rest of our website!
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