A new survey from Smart Energy GB has revealed how the energy crisis is affecting the way homeowners consume their energy.
A study of 5,000 individuals found that 73% made adjustments at home to decrease expenditure and counterbalance the price cap increase before it went into effect on April 1.
Common strategies include simply filling the kettle with only what is needed there and then (50 percent), enhancing house insulation (37%), and turning off the TV at the plug when not in use (34 percent).
And nearly half (48 percent) have a smart metre to receive precise bills rather than estimates and to monitor energy usage in near-real time.
Only about a third of Britons have said they don’t know enough about energy usage — with only a third (32%) feeling well informed.
As a result, nearly half of those questioned (46%) want more assistance in dealing with rising expenditures.
During this time of need, one in ten people have turned to helplines such as Citizen’s Advice, while 7% have used bank loans for financial assistance.
Brits have also taken cuts to account for increased living costs, such as avoiding buying new clothing (30%), decreasing the number of takeout drink purchases (26%), or shopping at a cheaper supermarket (24 percent).
The energy crisis shows no signs of slowing down, as Cornwall Insight, an investment business, predicted that the price cap will see another £629 rise this winter, hitting £2,600 per year on average for clients on ordinary default contracts.
Here are some ways to start saving on your Electricity Bills:
Don’t heat empty rooms: If you have a spare room that you don’t use much or a storage room that is rarely used, turn off the heat to save money.
Check your insulation and draught proofing: One of the most effective methods to reduce energy usage is to lessen the demand for heating in the first place by ensuring insulation is in good condition and draughts that take heat away are minimized.
Avoid standby mode: Unless switched off at the wall, appliances like your TV continue to use energy, costing the average UK home £35 per year.
Switch to LED Bulbs: Traditional incandescent bulbs are incredibly inefficient. Modern LEDs are the polar opposite, and they also last longer, making them less wasteful.