Energy experts urge homeowners to follow three easy steps to save £71 each year
The tips come as households prepare for winter and brace for another increase in energy bills in October.
Homeowners can slash their energy bills by as much as £71 by following three easy steps, according to new guidance from the Energy Saving Trust.
The tips come as households brace for another energy price hike from October, with bills set to rise by 10 percent for electricity and gas users.
This means the typical annual energy bill for a dual-fuel household paying by Direct Debit will increase to £1,717, adding about £12 per month.
This is also particularly timely for state pensioners, who are also facing a controversial cut to their winter fuel allowance this year.
The allowance, worth up to £300 towards heating bills, is expected to be available only to those receiving means-tested benefits like Pension Credit, leaving around 10 million pensioners missing out.
Turn off standby devices - £40 per year
According to the Energy Saving Trust, turning off and unplugging devices that are not in use could result in savings of up to £40 per year.
Reduce dishwasher and washing machine usage by one cycle - £22 per year
Reducing dishwasher use by one cycle a week and only running when full could save people up to £11 a year, EST says.
Meanwhile, cutting out one weekly washing machine cycle could save around £11 a year. Making both of these changes would amass a welcome £22 in savings.
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Boil the kettle accurately - £9 per year
Additionally, by only boiling the amount of water needed each time the kettle is needed, people could save around £9 a year.
Additional tips include turning off lights in unused rooms, which can save £7 a year, and taking on a smart meter can also help manage energy consumption more effectively.
The Energy Saving Trust's guidance coincides with findings from Smart Energy GB, which highlight that many over-60s are benefiting from flexible working arrangements post-COVID. A survey of 2,000 working Britons found 67 percent of employed over-60s are in hybrid roles, with over a third working from home daily. This shift has been welcomed for reducing commuting stress and improving work-life balance.
However, working from home has led to increased energy use, with 71 percent of older workers acknowledging that they consume more energy than when commuting.
A spokesperson for Smart Energy GB, which commissioned the study said: “Our research shows that many Brits, particularly those over 60, are embracing flexibility, both at work and in other aspects of their life too.
“However, if you’re spending more time at home, it’s worth being aware of how much energy you’re using and when you’re using it. The best way to do this is by asking your energy supplier to upgrade your analogue energy meter to a smart meter.
“It comes with an in-home display, which allows you to keep track of your energy usage and how much it's costing you. A smart meter could also help you to access schemes and tariffs that can reward you for using energy flexibly, potentially helping you to save money on your bills.”
