Half of households say energy bill will be their 'biggest outgoing' this winter

The cost-of-living crisis looks set to worsen, with many households worried about soaring fuel and energy prices in winter. A new poll commissioned by Smart Energy GB discovered nearly half of households say their energy bill will be their biggest outgoing in the coming months.

The poll of 5,000 adults found 56 per cent have already changed their energy habits in 2022 as the rising cost of bills starts to bite. Over a third (36 per cent) would, or already are changing their energy behaviours just to save money for the festive period.

Those with a smart meter are more likely to adjust their energy habits (42 per cent) to protect their Christmas budget, compared to those without (19 per cent). It also emerged that prior to the Energy Price Guarantee announcement in September 2022, 52 per cent were still feeling concerned about rising energy prices - increasing their motivation to change their habits.