Households are still facing a monthly energy bill increase of £67 from April despite the extension of the UK Government’s £2,500 Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) until July. It had been due to rise by £500 to £3,000 at the start of next month, however, the Treasury announced the postponement ahead of Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s Spring Budget last week.
But, before everyone heaves a collective sigh of relief, it's important to be aware that households still face having to find an extra £67 a month to pay their energy bills from April 1 when the UK Government’s separate £400 Energy Bills Support Scheme comes to an end on March 31 - this has seen around 29 million households receive six monthly payments of £66 or £67 direct to their energy accounts since October 2022.
Citizens Advice chief executive Dame Clare Moriarty said the “welcome step” of extending the existing EPG would protect millions of people from unaffordable energy billS. But warned the removal of the £400 Energy Bill Support Scheme will leave millions struggling and urged the UK Government to look at finding a “long-term solution to the problem”.
She said: “With millions already unable to afford their bills and energy prices set to remain high in the years ahead, the government must now look at long-term solutions to this problem.
“Many people, especially those on low incomes, will need ongoing support not only to pay their bills but to make their homes safer and warmer through improved energy efficiency.”
Below are seven tips from the UK Government to help you save money on energy bills, full details can be found on GOV.UK here.
Turn your combi boiler flow temperature down to 60C - could save up to £100 a year
Flow temperature is the temperature of the water that your boiler sends to radiators. Reducing flow temperature isn’t the same as lowering your thermostat and won’t noticeably reduce the temperature of your home but may increase the time it takes to reach the target temperature on your thermostat.
The guidance advises: “If you are over 65, or have pre-existing health conditions, you may want to set a slightly higher flow temperature of 65C to ensure your home warms more quickly.”
Nesta have more information on lowering your combi boiler flow setting - take their Money Saving Boiler Challenge.
Turn down radiators in rooms not used - could save up to £70 a year
When you’re not using rooms, turn radiator valves down to between 2.5 and 3 (roughly 18C). While you are using a room, increase the temperature to a comfortable level by turning the valve up.
Turning off radiators completely in rooms you are not using is less energy efficient as this means your boiler has to work harder to increase the temperature again than if kept at a low setting.
The guidance advises: “People over 65, children under five and those with pre-existing health conditions are more vulnerable to cold temperatures. Make sure you are warm enough and have a minimum indoor temperature of 18C to ensure you protect your health while maintaining comfort.”
Turn appliances off at the socket - could save up to £70 a year
Almost all electrical appliances in your home, such as computers, televisions, smart devices and video game consoles, draw power continuously unless unplugged. Turn off the power switch at the socket or unplug appliances from the socket when they are not in use.
Wash clothes at a lower temperature - could save up to £40 a year
Modern washing machines can clean clothes effectively at lower temperatures. Changing from 40C to 30C means you could get three cycles instead of two using the same amount of energy, depending on your washing machine.
Use your tumble dryer less - could save £70 a year
Tumble dryers are one of the most energy-intensive devices in the home.
Use your tumble dryer less frequently by ensuring you have a full load, around three-quarters of the drum. Or use a clothes airer to dry clothes outside, or inside with a window open for ventilation.
Close all your curtains and blinds at night
By closing your curtains and blinds, you can help stop warm air escaping through windows and reduce heating costs, especially if you have radiators situated below your windows.
Track your energy usage using an app
If you have a smart meter, there are apps which is free and allows you to track your hourly energy use over days, weeks, months or years. This can help you find the best ways to reduce usage and save on your energy bills in a safe and manageable way.
Read the full guidance on GOV.UK here.
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