Research has revealed that close to half of households are managing their energy consumption this winter due to significantly high bills.
A recent survey conducted by MoneySuperMarket website showed that 45% of respondents have postponed turning on their heating this season compared to last year.
Furthermore, 10% admitted to having disagreements within their families regarding heating usage, while 6% expressed concerns that someone in their household had fallen ill due to insufficient heating.
These findings come just before Ofgem’s price cap adjustment to an average of £1,758 per year for millions of homes, representing a 50% increase since the cap’s inception in 2019.
The survey also indicated that over half of households believe their cost of living has worsened in the past year, with around 31% stating they have had to make financial cutbacks.
Laura Hinton, representing MoneySuperMarket Energy, emphasized the financial strain many households are facing this holiday season, urging individuals to be mindful of their energy usage by optimizing heating, utilizing energy-efficient appliances, and reducing festive lighting.
Hinton suggested exploring fixed energy deals to potentially save up to £395 and shield against future price hikes, highlighting the ease of switching online with just an address and email.
Additionally, installing a smart meter can help monitor real-time energy consumption, offering insights to identify energy-intensive appliances.
Moreover, the Energy Saving Trust has compiled a list of 12 energy-saving tips for households during the Christmas period.
The suggestions include adjusting boiler flow temperature, using draught excluders for chimneys, optimizing dishwasher and washing machine usage, and embracing energy-efficient practices when cooking and hosting guests.
Other recommendations encompass utilizing electric ovens for batch cooking, employing lids on pans while cooking, maintaining oven door closure, switching to LED or solar Christmas lights, and implementing timers for lights and appliances to reduce energy consumption.
Furthermore, practical tips such as letting leftovers cool before freezing and utilizing rechargeable batteries to minimize waste and save costs were also proposed.
By adopting these energy-saving strategies, households can potentially reduce their energy bills and contribute to a more sustainable and cost-effective energy usage pattern.