Nearly half of households are adjusting their energy consumption this winter due to soaring energy bills, as revealed by recent research. A study conducted by MoneySuperMarket indicates that 45% of respondents have delayed turning on their heating this season compared to the previous year. Additionally, 10% admitted to having disputes within their families over heating usage, with 6% expressing concerns about family members falling ill due to inadequate heating at home.
These findings emerge just ahead of Ofgem’s upcoming price cap adjustment, which will raise the average annual cost to £1,758 for millions of households. Despite a marginal 0.2% increment this time, bills have surged by 50% since the introduction of the cap in 2019.
The survey highlights that over half of households feel a worsened financial strain over the past year, leading to 31% having to make financial cutbacks. Laura Hinton of MoneySuperMarket Energy emphasized the growing pressure on households amid rising energy and living expenses during the festive season. The research shows that people are adopting energy-saving measures such as careful heating usage, utilizing energy-efficient appliances, and reducing decorative lighting.
Hinton further suggests practical steps to alleviate energy costs, including switching to fixed deals for potential savings of up to £395. Installing a smart meter can help monitor real-time energy consumption, while the Energy Saving Trust offers additional tips to lower energy bills during the holiday season.
Various strategies are recommended, such as adjusting boiler temperatures, using draught excluders, optimizing dishwasher and washing machine usage, managing thermostat settings, and embracing energy-saving practices in cooking and lighting. These efforts can collectively contribute to significant savings on energy bills and reduce overall energy consumption, providing both economic and environmental benefits for households.