Yahoo News Act now to cut energy bills this year, say consumer experts
Consumer experts are urging people to act now to save hundreds on their energy bills later this year. From October 1, the cap on the per unit price of energy is forecast to rise by 12 per cent to £1,762 a year for a typical household. This will wipe out the seven per cent drop seen on July 1 with an almost £200 average increase ahead of the colder winter months.
Most households in the UK are currently on standard variable tariffs, set by the energy price cap. With energy prices currently at a recent low, Uswitch says it could be "a good time to get a fixed deal" ahead of the predicted rise, reports The Mirror.
Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at Uswitch, said: “With the price cap falling on July 1 but predicted to rise again in October, this could be a good time to get a fixed deal. Households on a standard variable tariff, or for those coming to the end of a fixed deal, should run a comparison to assess their options.”
He said you can also make changes to cut your bills now, adding: “With energy prices falling and the temperature rising, it’s easy to forget about the power bill, but now is not the time to take your eye off the ball. There are a few simple summer swaps you can make around the home that will cut your energy bill and put more money back in your pocket. Although switching off the heating is the biggest contributor to energy savings, other small changes will quickly add up.
“If the weather is dry, people with a garden or balcony can make the most of the warmer weather to dry clothes rather than using expensive tumble dryers."
Uswitch’s other summer energy-saving tips
Turn off the heating if you are going away. While in the winter it can be beneficial to heat your home for a few hours a day even if you’re not home, it isn’t as necessary at this time of year and will be costing you money.
Consider hot tubs carefully. If you are thinking about buying a hot tub, consider how efficiently they run when picking one. Pricier hot tubs are likely to be better insulated and could be a better investment as they will cost less to run long term. Make sure you get a well-fitted cover that forms an airtight seal to avoid losing heat and using more energy.
Let the grass grow. At only 25p a time on average, mowing the lawn isn’t a big contributor to energy bills, but households looking to make savings could reduce the number of times they cut the grass — which can also be beneficial for insects, hedgehogs and wildflowers.
Use outdoor space to cut your laundry bill . If you have a garden or balcony, you can make use of the warmer weather by hanging clothes outside to dry.
Use solar power. Solar-powered lights can make a great alternative to electric garden lighting. They don’t need a power source, so will save you money in the long run.
