New research has laid bare the extent of the winter energy crisis, revealing that nearly half of all UK households are now rationing their power use due to sky-high bills.
The Scale of the Winter Squeeze
A survey conducted by MoneySuperMarket found that a staggering 45% of people have put off turning their heating on this winter compared to last year. The financial strain is causing significant household tension, with one in ten respondents admitting to arguments with family members over heating use.
Perhaps most alarmingly, 6% of those surveyed believe someone in their home has become ill because the property was not kept warm enough. The findings come just over two weeks before Ofgem's price cap rises to an average of £1,758 per year for millions on default tariffs from 1 January.
While this increase is a modest 0.2%, it highlights a brutal longer-term trend: energy bills are now 50% higher than when the price cap was first introduced in 2019. More than half of households report that the cost of living has worsened for them in the past 12 months, with nearly a third (31%) stating they have had to make serious cutbacks.
Expert Advice on Slashing Your Bills
Laura Hinton from MoneySuperMarket Energy commented on the pressure families face. "With energy bills and everyday costs, such as food, continuing to rise, many households are feeling the pressure this festive season," she said.
Hinton highlighted a key action many can take: "If you’re on a standard variable or price-capped tariff, it’s worth checking whether a fixed deal could save you money and give you peace of mind. Switching is quick and easy to do online and some customers could save up to £395, as well as protecting themselves from future increases."
Installing a smart meter is another recommended step, providing an in-home display that shows real-time usage in pounds and pence, helping to identify energy-guzzling appliances.
Practical Tips for Immediate Savings
The Energy Saving Trust has compiled a list of actionable tips to reduce energy consumption this Christmas and beyond:
Optimise Your Heating: Lowering your combi boiler’s flow temperature to around 60°C can improve efficiency by roughly 4%. Turning your room thermostat down by just one degree could save approximately £90 a year.
Be Kitchen-Smart: When cooking, keep lids on pans to use 10% less energy. Use your oven for batch cooking when hosting, and keep the door closed—peek through a clean window instead.
Embrace Efficient Tech: Always run dishwashers and washing machines on full loads using eco settings. Switching to LED Christmas lights and using timers could save up to £45 annually. Consider solar-powered decorations which charge even on cloudy winter days.
Seal the Draughts: Fitting a draught excluder for your chimney (costing around £25) could prevent heat loss and save about £60 a year. Remember to remove it before lighting any fires.
Adopt a Cosy Culture: Layer up with jumpers and blankets, aiming for a comfortable temperature between 18°C and 21°C. Use LED candles for atmosphere and enjoy warm drinks and meals.
Other Quick Wins: Let leftovers cool completely before freezing to help your freezer run efficiently. Invest in rechargeable batteries for new toys and gadgets. Finally, turn devices off at the plug instead of leaving them on standby—a habit that could save £45 a year.
