Nearly 50% of households are adjusting their energy consumption this winter due to steep energy bills, a recent study has revealed. A survey conducted by MoneySuperMarket uncovered that 45% of respondents have postponed turning on their heating this season compared to last year. Additionally, 10% admitted to having disagreements with family members over heating usage, with 6% expressing concerns about family members falling ill due to inadequate heating at home.
These findings come just before Ofgem’s price cap rise to an average of £1,758 annually for millions of households, representing a 50% increase since the cap’s introduction in 2019. More than half of households feel that the cost of living has worsened in the past year, leading to 31% having to make financial cutbacks.
Laura Hinton, representing MoneySuperMarket Energy, emphasized the financial strain many households are facing this holiday season with escalating energy and living costs. Hinton suggested practical steps to mitigate energy expenses, such as switching to fixed energy deals for potential savings of up to £395 and installing smart meters to monitor real-time energy usage.
Furthermore, the Energy Saving Trust offers 12 tips to help households reduce energy bills during the festive period. Tips include adjusting boiler flow temperatures, utilizing draught excluders, optimizing dishwasher and washing machine usage, lowering thermostats when cooking or hosting guests, and embracing energy-efficient lighting options like LED or solar Christmas lights.
Other recommendations include batch cooking with electric ovens, using pan lids while cooking, cleaning oven doors to retain heat, and turning off devices at the plug to save on electricity costs. Additionally, freezing leftovers after they cool down, using rechargeable batteries instead of disposable ones, and implementing energy-saving practices during the holiday season can contribute to significant savings and reduced energy consumption.
