With energy prices reaching new heights, many UK households are feeling the financial strain. But what if you could cut your energy bills without making major sacrifices? British Gas and other leading suppliers suggest that simple adjustments could lead to savings of over £100 annually. These small changes can help reduce overall energy consumption without significant lifestyle shifts, making a noticeable impact on your monthly expenses.
Simple Heating Adjustments That Can Make a Big Difference
One of the easiest ways to lower your energy bills is by adjusting your heating. A small change, like lowering your thermostat by just one degree, can lead to savings of £100 a year. British Gas suggests setting your thermostat to 18°C during the day and 15°C at night for even greater savings.
Energy expert Gordon Wallis explains,
“A constant temperature of 10°C helps prevent frozen pipes and avoids unnecessary heating costs.” Gordon Wallis.
These small changes, when adopted nationwide, could save up to £2 billion.
Exclusive Christmas Day Energy Discounts
Christmas brings special energy-saving offers. E.ON is offering three days of free electricity, including Christmas Day, allowing customers to save significantly.
Similarly, British Gas has launched its PeakSave scheme, offering half-price electricity on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Customers who shift their usage to off-peak hours can save money and make their holidays more affordable.
Quick Energy-Saving Tips for Christmas
In addition to energy provider discounts, here are a few other simple tips to help you save this holiday season:
- Use energy-efficient lights: Swap to LED Christmas lights, which use up to 80% less electricity than traditional bulbs.
- Unplug devices: Unplugging unused electronics can save up to £35 a year.
- Wash laundry in cold water: This can reduce energy consumption by 40%.
- Use the microwave: Microwaves use less energy than ovens for cooking smaller meals.
These small changes can add up over the holidays, reducing both energy consumption and costs.
How Smart Meters Help With Savings
Smart meters are essential for accessing many of these savings. They track energy use in real-time, allowing customers to take advantage of off-peak pricing. Smart meters make it easier to use electricity when it’s cheaper, ultimately helping lower bills.
These meters also provide detailed usage data, allowing you to adjust your habits for even more savings. The UK government is encouraging the adoption of smart meters to support energy efficiency.
The Growing Burden of Energy Bills and Why Immediate Action is Crucial
Despite these savings opportunities, energy prices are set to rise again in 2024. The energy price cap is forecast to increase by 1% in April 2024, meaning households could face higher bills.
Cornwall Insight predicts the average energy bill will rise to £2,400 per year by next spring. Given this, it’s more important than ever to take steps now, such as switching to fixed-rate plans or adopting smarter energy habits.
In the face of rising energy costs, these small adjustments—coupled with the holiday offers—can help households manage their energy bills. Being strategic with energy use can make a significant difference, helping families weather the challenges of higher prices.
