UK householders are being urged to take pre-emptive action as they could see their energy bills skyrocket when the next price cap changes in October.
This comes as gas and electricity costs will rise not just because we are heading into the colder, darker months, but because the Ofgem price cap is expected to rise from £1,568 to £1,723.
According to current forecasts, that will be the new average annual spend of a typical dual-fuel household, a rise of £155. And while it’s not always easy to focus on winter heating bills while we are in the middle of summer with its current blasts of hot weather, it’s best to get ready now and make savings while you can.
Customers with suppliers including British Gas, Octopus, Eon and EDF are being urged to explore a few easy options around their home.
While one energy expert had their own advice about a way to shave £90 off bills by adjusting or turning off certain settings, another advisor, Rob Beswick has suggested a couple of other things you can try.
Beswick said: “Investing in a more energy-efficient shower head could save you around £71 over the course of a year. They work by restricting the amount of water that comes through your shower head, resulting in less water for the same length of a shower. You could also save an extra £61 by cutting your shower down from seven minutes to four minutes.”
The director of CGC Interiors, Mr Beswick, has suggested that making two small changes could save you £132. He stated: “Energy consumption is 36 per cent higher in winter than it is in summer according to the Department of Energy and Climate Change.”
He further advised: “Cheap energy deals may seem like a dim and distant memory, and you may be better off to fix a tariff now before the October price increase. Make sure you understand:
- Your current tariff details: the rates you pay for gas electricity and any standing charges
- Your household energy usage in kWh
- How much these are likely to change in October
“Getting a fixed energy deal gives you the security of a set price for each unit of energy you use.”
Mr Beswick also recommended annual boiler servicing and drawing curtains as soon as it gets dark on winter evenings to help retain heat. He emphasised the importance of draught-proofing areas where cold air could enter such as windows, fireplaces, doors, keyholes and letterboxes, reports Birmingham Live.
Moreover, he suggested resetting your thermostat for times when you’re away or out of the house for extended periods. Then simply adjust the temperature upon your return.
In winter, turning down the thermostat while sleeping can also result in savings. Lowering it by 10 to 15 degrees overnight can reduce heating bills by 10 percent.
