Household energy bills are expected to rise by almost £300 in January, and an energy expert has shared tips to help cut costs. Joanna O'Loan, Knowledge Manager at Energy Saving Trust, told the Daily Express that many households will feel anxious about rising energy costs and advised a whole-home approach.
Energy price cap and predicted rise
Ofgem's latest energy price cap increase took effect on October 1, adding 4% to bills. Cornwall Insight predicts a further 16% rise to £1,999 a year on January 1, up £276 from the October-December level and the biggest rise since January 2023.
The average household in England, Scotland and Wales paying by direct debit for gas and electricity now faces bills of £1,723, up £5 a month or £60 a year if sustained. More than four million homes on standard tariffs are affected.
Whole-home approach
Ms O'Loan said: "As we head into winter, many households will be feeling anxious about the impact of rising energy costs on their household budgets. Rather than focusing on a single fix, it's important to take a whole-home approach."
She said insulation, heating, ventilation and everyday habits all work together. An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) can show how costly a home is to heat and rate features like walls, roofs, windows and heating systems, helping identify improvements with the biggest impact.
Practical savings tips
Check loft insulation: topping up from around 120mm to 270mm could save around £17 a year. Insulate walls: internal solid wall insulation in a semi-detached home could save around £280 a year. Draught proof windows and doors: could save £25 a year.
Bleed radiators and install reflector panels: panels cost around £25 per pack and could save around £18 a year. Choose central heating over electric heaters, as plug-in heaters are often more expensive. Keep hot water tank cosy: a jacket costs about £20 and could save around £45 a year; pipe lagging could save a further £6 a year.
Manage your thermostat: turning it down by one degree could save around £120 a year, according to the World Health Organisation's guidance on comfortable temperatures. Check your boiler is working before colder weather arrives, and consider a service if it hasn't been done in the last year.
