Did you manage to achieve your New Year’s resolutions for 2025?
As the new year approaches, we’re already thinking about how to save energy in 2026. With the energy price cap increasing from 1 January, we’re looking ahead to make sure we’re in control of our energy use.
You might remember that in December 2024, we asked our colleagues to name their energy saving New Year resolutions. From embracing active travel to switching to solar power, our team had grand plans for 2025. But how did they get on?
We asked them 12 months on to find out.
Ryan Williams, our content editor, hoped to see more of his local area by embracing active travel. Did he take a step in the right direction?
Ryan says: “I’m fortunate to live near the Wales coastal path, so I was able to see some wonderful sights while out walking. It’s been great to get outside and leave the car at home, while seeing some of the best parts of the country.”
“This year I’m planning on seeing even more of the path. I’ve already planned some new routes with friends.”
A lot of people start the year hoping to get around to finishing that big DIY job that needs doing. Inma, a development officer, hoped to finish off some ‘serious DIY’ going into 2025 – how did she get on?
Inma says: “I watched a couple of DIY videos to get the top tips when caulking, and the final result looks amazing. Paint touch ups were made in summer and now my walls have a crisp, high-end finish. The house feels cosier, particularly on windy days.
“This year I’ll teach the kids to use the blinds and curtains to help regulate home temperature along the different seasons.”
While it’s good to stop uncontrolled draughts, it’s important to maintain good ventilation through your home all year round.
Last year, our consumer content manager Jamie Gibbs planned to install solar panels to make the most of his south-facing roof. Did he make the switch to a brighter, solar-powered future?
Jamie says: “I had six solar panels installed in August along with battery storage. I also signed up to a smart time of use tariff with my energy supplier in October.
“Both my bills and carbon footprint have gone down. I wish I’d done this years ago!
“My resolution for next year is to get the most out of my panels and battery, taking advantage of off-peak electricity to get better savings.”
Last year, marketing and communications manager Michael set a resolution to keep reminding his kids to turn off the TV and lights once they’ve left the front room. Did they switch on to this new idea?
Michael says: “They’ve been pretty good at keeping this up, with some gentle reminders on occasion!
“This year, my focus has been on reducing their screen time. I set limits on their devices so I know usage remains consistent throughout the week and doesn’t impact our energy bill too much.”
You can save around £45 a year in Great Britain (GB) and £55 in Northern Ireland(NI) just by remembering to turn your appliances off standby mode.
Marketing services lead Katie got some new thermals to stay cosy while working from home. But how did Katie and her toddler get on switching bath time for a shower.
She says: “Last year’s Christmas present of thermals have been keeping me toasty as the weather gets colder. I also managed to halve the number of baths my toddler takes. In summer, I use the bath water to water plants.
“This year, I’ve got a water butt on my Christmas list so I can store leftover bath water year-round for those drier months.”
If you’re looking for inspiration, our quick DIY energy saving tips are a great place to start. It’s a list of quick jobs you can do to lower your energy bills and improve your carbon footprint in 2026.
Need more inspiration? Here’s how you can reduce your carbon footprint further.
What energy saving resolutions will you make this year? If you need ideas, sign up to Energywire, our monthly newsletter, for more energy advice on saving money and improving your carbon footprint.
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Last updated: 19 December 2025
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