With UK energy bills set to rise by 10% from 1 October 2024, many households are scrambling for winter energy-saving tips to ease the pressure. The average energy bill will increase to £1,717, putting additional pressure on families already struggling with the cost of living. Vulnerable pensioners are particularly at risk, as thousands face their first winter without the £200-300 winter fuel payment, following changes introduced by the Labour government.
A recent YouGov and National Energy Action (NEA) survey revealed that 50% of UK households plan to ration their energy use this winter. With energy debt climbing to £3.7 billion in September and many households unsure of how to manage rising costs, knowing where to get support is crucial.
Here’s a guide to the help available and practical ways to cut energy costs this winter.
Government Support Programs
Warm Home Discount: Eligible households can get a one-off £150 discount on their electricity bills. If you qualify—typically those on low incomes or pension credit—the discount will be applied automatically.
Household Support Fund (HSF): This fund has been extended for another six months, providing local councils with £421 million to help vulnerable households. Depending on your council, support may include help with energy bills, cash grants, or supermarket vouchers.
Winter Fuel Payment: While changes mean fewer pensioners will qualify for this support, those on pension credit can still receive up to £300 if they are 80+ and £200 if aged 66-79. Make sure to check the updated eligibility rules.
Help from Energy Providers
Many energy providers offer special schemes to help customers manage their bills during the winter:
- British Gas Energy Trust: This scheme offers grants of up to £2,000, even if you’re not a British Gas customer.
- Octopus Energy and OVO are giving out free electric blankets to their most vulnerable customers. OVO also offers a £50 million Extra Support Package, which includes electric throws and other assistance to keep homes warm.
Tip: If you’re struggling, contact your energy provider directly. They may be able to offer payment plans, extensions, or even debt relief. Waiting too long to reach out could limit the support available.
Improve Your Home With These UK Winter Energy-Saving Tips
Simple improvements around the home can help reduce energy consumption, saving you money in the long run. One of the most effective ways to combat rising costs is by making simple, cost-efficient changes at home. Implementing UK winter energy-saving tips like insulating hot water pipes and draught-proofing doors can make a significant difference.
- Insulate Your Home: Insulating hot water pipes costs as little as £15 and helps them retain heat longer. Draught-proofing doors and windows is another easy way to cut heat loss and reduce energy bills.
- Energy-Efficient Appliances: Washing laundry at 30 degrees instead of 40 can save up to 38% on energy use, according to Which?. Upgrading appliances like boilers or washing machines may seem costly upfront but can lead to long-term savings. The government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers grants of up to £7,500 to help you install greener heating systems.
Practical UK Winter Energy-Saving Tip:
For an easy DIY task, consider sealing gaps around windows and doors using inexpensive draft-proofing strips. These simple fixes can make a noticeable difference in your home’s heat retention
Heating and Water Control
Controlling how and when you heat your home and water can lead to substantial savings:
- Hot Water Settings: If you have a combi boiler, try lowering the water temperature. If you often mix hot water with cold when using taps or showers, you’re likely heating your water too much.
- Smart Heating Controls: Using programmable thermostats and thermostatic radiator valves allows you to heat specific rooms and avoid wasting energy in unused areas. A smart thermostat could reduce your energy bills by allowing you to set heating patterns based on your routine.
Additional UK Winter Energy-Saving Tips from Experts
Experts agree that small changes can lead to significant savings. According to Emily Seymour from Which?, simply turning down your thermostat by one degree can reduce heating bills by 10%. You can also check out the Welfare Assistance Calculator by End Furniture Poverty to see what additional help you may be entitled to.
If you’re unsure where to begin with improving your home’s energy efficiency, consider using a home energy planning service. Services like those offered by Which? help households create tailored plans to boost energy efficiency, often starting with inexpensive adjustments that provide immediate savings.
As energy prices rise, staying proactive is key to managing your bills this winter. By understanding your options—whether through government schemes, energy provider support, or home improvements—you can make real savings. Don’t hesitate to check for the latest assistance programs, and stay in touch with your energy provider to explore all possible relief options.
