Nearly 50% of households are managing their energy consumption this winter due to soaring bills, a recent study has revealed. The research conducted by MoneySuperMarket indicates that 45% of individuals have postponed using their heating compared to the previous year. Additionally, 10% have had disagreements with family members over heating usage, while 6% believe that someone in their home fell ill due to insufficient heating.
As the Ofgem price cap is set to rise to an average of £1,758 annually for many households, a 50% increase since its introduction in 2019, the financial strain on households is evident. Over half of surveyed households feel that the cost of living has worsened in the past year, with 31% having to make financial cutbacks.
Laura Hinton, representing MoneySuperMarket Energy, emphasized the financial pressure faced by households during the holiday season. She highlighted the importance of energy conservation strategies such as prudent heating practices, using energy-efficient appliances, and minimizing decorative lighting.
To alleviate energy costs, Hinton suggested exploring fixed energy deals, particularly for those on standard or price-capped tariffs. Switching to fixed deals can lead to significant savings and shield consumers from future price hikes. Furthermore, installing a smart meter can help monitor real-time energy usage, while following energy-saving tips provided by the Energy Saving Trust can further reduce bills this Christmas.
Implementing adjustments such as lowering boiler flow temperatures, using draught excluders, optimizing dishwasher and washing machine usage, adjusting thermostats, and embracing energy-efficient practices during cooking and lighting can result in substantial savings for households. Simple actions like turning off Christmas lights using timers, freezing leftovers efficiently, and utilizing rechargeable batteries can also contribute to reducing energy expenses and minimizing waste during the festive season.