Nearly 50% of households are adjusting their energy usage this winter due to soaring energy bills, a recent study reveals. A survey conducted by MoneySuperMarket indicates that 45% of respondents have postponed turning on their heating compared to last year. Moreover, 10% have had disagreements within their families regarding heating usage, while 6% believe that inadequate heating has led to illnesses in their homes.
These findings emerge just before Ofgem’s price cap hike to an average of £1,758 annually for numerous households, marking a 50% increase since the cap’s inception in 2019. Over half of households feel that their cost of living has worsened in the past year, with about 31% reporting the need for cutbacks and sacrifices.
Laura Hinton of MoneySuperMarket Energy emphasized the strain many households are facing this festive season due to escalating expenses like energy bills and groceries. She highlighted strategies to manage costs, such as using energy-efficient appliances, minimizing festive lighting, and considering switching to fixed energy deals for potential savings.
Additionally, adopting smart meters can help monitor real-time energy consumption, with in-home displays aiding in tracking usage and identifying power-draining appliances. The Energy Saving Trust offers 12 tips to help households reduce energy bills during the holiday season, including adjusting boiler temperatures, using draught excluders, optimizing dishwasher and washing machine usage, and embracing energy-saving practices while cooking and hosting guests.
By implementing these energy-saving measures, households can potentially save money, reduce energy consumption, and mitigate the impact of rising energy costs during the winter months.