Nearly half of households are adjusting their energy consumption this winter due to soaring energy bills, a recent study has revealed. The survey conducted by MoneySuperMarket indicates that 45% of respondents have postponed turning on their heating this winter compared to the previous year.
Furthermore, one in 10 individuals admitted to having disagreements with family members over heating usage, while 6% expressed concerns that lack of proper heating at home had led to illness among household members.
The findings coincide with Ofgem’s imminent price cap increase to an average of £1,758 annually for millions of households, representing a 50% surge from the cap’s introduction in 2019. Over half of households surveyed believe that the cost of living has worsened in the past year, prompting about 31% to make financial cutbacks.
Laura Hinton, a representative from MoneySuperMarket Energy, highlighted the financial strain on households during the holiday season. She suggested that individuals can manage energy costs by being cautious with heating, using energy-efficient appliances for cooking, and reducing festive lighting.
To alleviate energy expenses, Hinton recommended exploring fixed energy deals for potential savings up to £395 and protection against future price hikes. Additionally, installing a smart meter can help monitor real-time energy usage and identify power-consuming appliances.
Moreover, the Energy Saving Trust shared 12 tips to lower energy bills during the Christmas period, such as adjusting boiler flow temperature, using appliances efficiently, and embracing energy-saving practices like batch cooking and using LED or solar Christmas lights.
Implementing these energy-saving measures can not only reduce utility costs but also contribute to environmental sustainability by minimizing energy waste.