British Gas, OVO, EDF, EON, Octopus and other customers are being urged to take a simple step to slash their energy bills. With the onset of winter and energy costs soaring by 10 percent in line with Ofgem’s latest price cap, many households are bracing for higher expenses.
The increase will see the average household’s bills climb by approximately £149 annually. However, consumer experts at Which? have revealed a savvy tip to reduce expenditure during the colder months.
They advise that there are two specific devices you should disconnect as they consume a surprising amount of electricity. They soak up a lot of energy even when on standby, potentially adding unnecessary costs to your bill.
According to Which?, wireless speakers and sound bars are particularly voracious in terms of energy consumption when left on standby. The appliances are the biggest culprits for power wastage and should be switched off completely when not in use.
By unplugging these devices, consumers could save an additional £6 each year. Which? highlighted: “They’re the most power-hungry gadgets in standby, costing around £6 per year (based on 20 standby hours per day).”
Their warning is far from the only one about so-called ‘vampire devices’ that secretly suck up your electricity. The energy firm Utilita has warned that UK households could save £139 a year by unplugging just three of these devices.
They say a toaster costs 10p per use or £38 a year. They warn a microwave costs £17.75 per year. And, worst of all, a kettle will rack up £83 a year.
Saving money on energy bills is becoming a major issue. That’s because the average household energy bill is set to increase by £149 a year after Ofgem’s price hike.
The regulator has increased the cap from £1,568 – for a typical dual fuel household in England, Scotland and Wales – to £1,717. That is about £12 a month more on average.
Stephen Hankinson, energy efficiency expert at Electric Radiators Direct, says there are some simple steps that people can take to keep themselves warm. They may seem obvious, but when done, they can make a real difference. His suggestions include:
- Keeping your feet warm
- Sealing any draughts
- Closing your curtains and blinds
- Rolling out a rug
- Filling up a hot water bottle
- Plugging in an electric heater
- Reversing your ceiling fan
- Consuming warm food and drinks
- Layering up your clothing
