AS WE MOVE away from summer and the days become shorter, many people are concerned about their bills over the coming months.
Ofgem has already announced the new price cap that will take effect from October 1st until New Year’s Eve.
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This automatically represents a 10% increase and adds around £12 to your monthly bill, even if you make no changes to your usage.
However, Daniel McCowan, an energy expert at Green Improve, warns that British households will likely spend more energy during the colder months, leading to significantly higher bills.
“Given the increased energy consumption during colder periods and the new energy price cap coming into effect in October, I wouldn’t be surprised to see energy bills double or even triple compared to the summer months,” warned Daniel.
The energy expert also offered a few tips to save energy in each room and help us keep our energy bills in check.
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Daniel advised, “You can significantly reduce your energy bill by making small changes to your habits.
“Considering the increased energy price cap, a typical British household can save around £300 in the final quarter of the year by implementing these tips,” he says.
BATHROOM
Taking shorter showers can drastically cut down on water heating costs.
Installing a low-flow showerhead can also help you save hot water without compromising your shower experience.
Additionally, you should turn off the tap while brushing your teeth and shaving, and be mindful of leaving lights on when you’re not using the bathroom.
KITCHEN
The kitchen is also often the culprit when it comes to energy consumption.
However, there are a couple of things you can do to reduce your energy bill.
What energy bill help is available?
THERE’S a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you’re struggling to get by.
If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter.
This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.
If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don’t think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal.
Several energy firms have grant schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills.
But eligibility criteria varies depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.
For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000.
British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.
You don’t need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.
EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too.
Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR).
The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill, and some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you’re struggling.
Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.
Use lids on pots and pans to trap heat and cook food faster. Avoid preheating the oven unless absolutely necessary and use the air fryer instead whenever possible.
When using the dishwasher, ensure it’s fully loaded, and unplug any appliances when not in use as they still consume energy even when switched off.
Don’t fill the kettle to the brim if you’re only having one cup of tea, and ensure all your appliances are performing optimally.
Sometimes it can be better to invest in a new fridge if your old one frequently builds up ice and you can’t defrost it very often.
SITTING ROOM
Even when we’re simply relaxing in the living room, a few tips can help us reduce our energy consumption.
Lower the blinds to block drafts and keep the living room warmer.
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When using your heating system, set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature and avoid extreme settings.
Unplug electronics such as your TV, gaming console, and phone charger when not in use to prevent phantom energy consumption.
