Nearly half of households are managing their energy consumption this winter due to soaring energy bills, a recent study has revealed. According to research conducted by MoneySuperMarket, 45% of respondents have postponed turning on their heating this season compared to the previous year.
The survey further highlighted that 10% of participants have had disagreements with family members over heating usage, and alarmingly, 6% believed that someone in their household had fallen ill due to inadequate heating.
These findings coincide with the imminent increase in Ofgem’s price cap, set to rise to an average of £1,758 per year for numerous households. While the increment is marginal at 0.2%, the bills are now 50% higher than when the cap was first introduced in 2019.
Over half of the households surveyed expressed that their cost of living has worsened in the past year, with 31% indicating that they have had to make financial cutbacks and sacrifices.
Laura Hinton, representing MoneySuperMarket Energy, emphasized the financial strain many households are facing this holiday season, pointing out the need for prudent energy usage. She advised households to consider switching to fixed energy deals for potential savings of up to £395 and protection against future price hikes.
In addition to monitoring energy consumption, installing a smart meter can provide real-time insights into energy usage. Furthermore, the Energy Saving Trust has suggested 12 strategies to help households reduce energy costs during the festive period.
From adjusting boiler temperatures to optimizing dishwasher usage and embracing energy-efficient lighting, households can implement various measures to lower energy expenses. Embracing energy-saving habits can not only benefit the environment but also alleviate financial burdens during the winter months.