Energy Saving Trust outlines steps to save hundreds on home energy bills as costs set to increase by 50%

Money saving steps include immediate everyday actions through to longer term investment in home energy improvements to protect against future price hikes.

Ahead of the 1 April energy price cap rise, Energy Saving Trust is providing a series of ways that people can knock hundreds of pounds off their energy bills without compromising their health, wellbeing or lifestyle. Dedicated to promoting energy efficiency, the Trust is also outlining longer term investments that householders can make now to increase energy efficiency, reduce reliance on fossil fuels and protect their homes against future price rises.

Energy bills for around 22 million customers are set to rise to unprecedented levels because of the price cap hike, with Energy Saving Trust calculations showing that homeowners could see their bills increase by approximately 50%. A family living in a three-bed semi-detached house could see their energy costs rise by an average of £740 a year, while two people in a two-bed flat can expect a rise of £470. Households on prepayment meters will see an average increase of £708.[1]

Energy Saving Trust suggests that making several small and swift changes, such as turning devices off standby and reducing daily water usage, could enable many people to offset the increase in costs by around a third.[2]

For those wishing to future-proof their homes, investing in professional draught-proofing and insulation in preparation for the winter months could lead to a reduction in bills by £405 for a semi-detached home. Installing solar panels for a similar property could lead to additional annual savings of around £450.

Switching to low carbon heating systems such as heat pumps is an essential part of the transition to address the climate emergency and to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The impact on energy bills if you are installing a heat pump will depend on several factors: including what fuel you are replacing and how much it costs, which type of heat pump you install and its efficiency, and the design of your central heating system.

Switching to renewable energy is a long-term commitment and although there will not be dramatic cost savings straight away, consumers can expect to see year-on-year savings as low carbon technology becomes more established.

Brian Horne, senior insight and analytics consultant at Energy Saving Trust, said:

“Higher energy bills alongside the increasing cost of living is a concern for many. Energy Saving Trust is working to support people across the UK with impartial advice on energy saving actions and home energy efficiency improvements, to help people lower their bills and also reduce their carbon footprint.

“As well as small everyday actions, many people may be able to get a head-start now on installing draught-proofing and insulation to help prepare for winter.

“For those households able to look at reducing costs in the long term, there is potential to invest in solar energy, making their homes more self-sufficient and less vulnerable to future price rises.”

Sarah (42), an insurance professional from Kent, fitted solar panels on her four-person occupancy terrace house four years ago. She said: 

“We had solar panels fitted four years ago as we wanted to reduce our carbon footprint. We’ve really seen a difference to the amount of energy we use from the national grid, resulting in a huge reduction to our energy costs too. In fact, we’ve seen an annual reduction of about £1,000 (23%) in our bill for gas and electric.

“As national energy prices continue to fluctuate, having the solar panels gives us peace of mind that we have some protection from rising costs for the years ahead, while doing our bit for the planet.”

Energy Saving Trust’s website includes information on financial support for home energy efficiency and renewable technologies:

• Financial support for home energy efficiency
• Financial support for renewable technology

Customers who are concerned about paying their energy bill are encouraged to contact their supplier to access any available support – and to check their eligibility for the Warm Home Discount Scheme, which offers a one-off payment to help meet heating costs. Additional help, including energy saving advice and potential sources of financial assistance, is available from the following places:

• In England, go to Simple Energy Advice or visit the Citizens Advice website.
• In Scotland, check out Home Energy Scotland.
• In Wales, check out Nest.
• In Northern Ireland, contact NISEP and the Energy Advice Line.

For more detailed energy advice, visit: energysavingtrust.org.uk/energy-at-home/

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For more information or interviews, contact sam@forster.co.uk / 07801 849 967