Energy bills could rise by 240 pounds per household next year
With the energy price cap expected to rise early next year, many people could see the cost of heating their homes rise to unprecedented levels, according to research from the Energy Saving Trust.
The new research has found that energy bills could rise by £240 in 2022 for a typical three-bedroom, gas heated home.
Ofgem increased the energy price cap by £139 a year at the start of October 2021 and is expected to increase it again in April 2022, affecting around 15 million people.
The UK energy sector is facing significant difficult this winter, with more than 20 companies collapsing since September.
Mike Thornton, Chief Executive of Energy Saving Trust, said: ‘Rising energy bills are understandably causing concern for people across the UK, with households potentially facing some of the highest energy bills on record this winter. But the good news is that by taking small steps around our homes, we can make a big difference to minimising our energy bills.
‘As well as protecting people’s pockets, taking small steps to reduce energy consumption will also help to protect the planet by cutting the carbon emitted from our homes.’
Energy Saving Trust has provided 12 simple tips to save energy, cut bills and reduce carbon, which could lead to a £248 saving on energy bills.
The steps include:
- Turning devices around the home off standby or onto idle mode
- Draught proofing gaps around windows, doors and floorboards by fitting foam strips, plastic seals or brushes
- Turning off lights when leaving a room
- Using the washing machine on a 30-degree cycle instead of higher temperatures
- Only boiling the water you need in the kettle
- Effectively insulating hot water cylinders
- Keeping shower time to four minutes
- Swapping one bath a week for a shower
- Fitting an aerator onto the kitchen tap to reduce the amount of water used
- Only running the dishwasher or washing machine when it’s full
- Avoiding using a tumble dryer for clothes
Photo by Nadine Marfurt