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Eric Garcia
Washington Bureau Chief
When it comes to energy bills and saving money this winter, there’s no time like the present to start thinking about ways to trim back.
Especially with the government’s announcement it will be changing the rules around Winter Fuel Payment eligibility, and electricity and gas price caps going up by 10% between October and December, according to ofgem reports.
But, where to begin? Chris Sadler, founder of Kimble Solar, shares his top tips…
1. Get data savvy
It’s really easy to take electricity for granted. “It’s always there, it can heat, light or power almost anything – and it’s quick,” says Sadler.
“But it’s also incredibly expensive right now, and with rates shooting up again, less government support and a higher standing charge, even using less doesn’t always pay off.”
The goal here is to use less, while still keeping warm and being able to function, highlights Sadler.
“If you can change your mindset to look at what you need, rather than what you want, then you can make objective decisions about what to turn on and off – and most importantly, when.”
He says to start by getting a smart meter installed, if you don’t already have one, so you can monitor when exactly you’re using the most electricity at home.
“Then check out which tariffs offer reduced rates for using that electricity during off-peak periods – this will usually be at night or at some point over the weekend,” he adds.
“If you’re able, use those times to do the heavy lifting electricity-wise. For example, batch-cook for the week ahead to heat up meals in the microwave or on the stove, rather than using the oven every day. Or, for small portions, an air fryer uses much less energy.
“Programming your washing machine and clothes drying to run during off-peak periods will make big difference to your energy bill,” he continues. “And switching to a heated clothes airer from your tumble dryer can provide further savings if deployed correctly.
“Multitasking and optimising the time you can get cheaper energy will make a difference to your monthly costs.”
2. Check your tariff
If you’re not locked in with your supplier and don’t have to pay a hefty exit charge, now could be the time to shop around for better deals. There are some good deals available, highlights Sadler, but be sure to check which suppliers cover your area and which offer the best tariff now – and the time it extends to.
“It’s also worth comparing deals from your existing supplier. Most will let you switch tariffs with the same company with no exit fees. Even if you’re on a fixed tariff, see if switching might save you in the long run,” suggests Sadler.
If you do take out a new policy, he suggests also signing up to a cashback app like TopCashback, which will give you extra cashback on your new tariff.
There are also tariff providers offering a broader service than just electricity and gas alone. Additional services include mobile phone contracts, home insurance, broadband, boiler maintenance and more, notes Sadler.
“So it’s worth considering these, as you’re likely to get a better deal by taking out more services with the same provider.”
3. Invest in items to help you use less electricity
While this comes with an initial cost, you could save significantly in the longer term.
“Switch all your bulbs to energy saving bulbs, especially your spotlights – these eat electricity, so switch to energy-saving LED lights.
“If your kitchen only has spotlights, you’ll probably notice a big spike every time you turn them on,” says Sadler. “Especially if the area isn’t zoned to enable you to turn on the undercounter light, for example.”
A separate lamp on a plug top with a low-energy bulb will usually provide adequate ambient lighting for most tasks, he notes, reducing the need for a dozen energy-hungry spotlights to be on.
“Furthermore, the bulb could be smart so it works from a remote, and some can be connected to your smart home system such as Google Home and Amazon Alexa.”
He says it’s also worth looking at smart home devices which control lighting and heating – having everything connected means you can turn it all off in one go, avoiding any extra electric being used.
Products such as Tado and Honeywell Evohome enable heat zoning, allowing you to use your radiators independently, says Sadler, so you can heat only the rooms you need.
“This will help slash your bills. If you have electric heating, by simply adjusting it to come on for 5-10% less time, or a degree or two lower, the knock-on savings will soon add up.”
4. Be smart with charging
With so many devices in the home, it can feel like you’re constantly having to charge something these days.
“Be smart with what you’re charging and when. A lot of tariffs have half-price hours, days or periods where electricity rates are cheaper,” says Sadler. “Plan when you’re charging items and use these periods to your advantage.
“Also, be sure to unplug extension leads and chargers when they’re not in use, as they’ll still be using small amounts of electricity.”
The key is to look at everything you’re using and identify how you can reduce each use – by using it for less time, less frequently, or with less intensity.
“Tackle the biggest energy-consuming items first as these will have the greatest impact – typically anything involved with heating will consume the most electricity,” says Sadler. “Then focus on the smaller items. Each little saving added together can make a big difference over the course of a year.”
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