Expert Tips to Lower Energy Costs
As energy bills are set to rise in the coming months, it’s important for households to take steps to lower their costs. With the winter months approaching and the energy price cap increasing, saving money on energy bills has never been more crucial. Here are some expert tips to help you lower your energy costs starting tomorrow.
One of the first things you can do is to consider locking in a fixed price with your energy provider. Money expert Martin Lewis recommends taking advantage of fixed price plans before the price cap increase takes effect. By doing so, you can potentially save hundreds of pounds on your energy bills over the course of the year.
Another option to consider is switching to a more energy-efficient provider. Many energy suppliers offer help for customers struggling with their bills, including Scottish Power, EDF, E.ON, and Octopus. British Gas also provides a grant of up to £2,000 to customers of any energy provider, helping to alleviate the burden of high energy costs.
For those looking to reduce their energy usage, EDF Energy is offering a unique opportunity with their ‘Sunday Saver’ challenge. Customers who sign up for this challenge can earn free energy on Sundays by shifting their electricity usage away from peak hours. By reducing energy consumption during certain times, customers can earn free hours of electricity, ultimately saving on their energy bills.
Support for Low-Income Households
Low-income households or those in receipt of certain benefits may be eligible for additional support to help with their energy bills. The household support fund, delivered by local authorities, is designed to assist vulnerable individuals in any given area. Residents are encouraged to reach out to their council to inquire about available resources and assistance.
Additionally, for individuals aged over the pension age (66+), there is the winter fuel payment program that provides £150 towards energy bills. While in previous years this benefit was available to all pensioners, it is now only paid to those who are claiming pension credit. The Department for Work and Pensions advises pensioners who receive under £218.15 a week to check their eligibility for this valuable benefit.
Energy-Saving Tips for Every Household
In addition to taking advantage of available support programs, there are simple steps that every household can take to lower their energy costs. These energy-saving tips can make a significant impact on your monthly bills and help to reduce your overall energy consumption.
One of the most effective ways to save money on energy bills is to upgrade to energy-efficient appliances. By investing in appliances with a high energy efficiency rating, you can significantly reduce your energy usage and lower your monthly costs. Look for appliances with the ENERGY STAR label, which indicates that they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Another easy way to save on energy costs is to make small changes to your daily habits. Simple actions like turning off lights when not in use, unplugging electronics when they’re not being used, and adjusting your thermostat can all add up to significant savings over time. Additionally, using programmable thermostats and smart home devices can help you regulate your energy usage more effectively and save money on your bills.
By implementing these expert tips and making small changes to your energy consumption habits, you can lower your energy costs starting tomorrow. With rising energy prices and the winter months ahead, now is the perfect time to take control of your energy bills and start saving money.
