Pensioners worried about heating costs this winter can stay warm using electric blankets, USB gloves and heated gilets that cost just pennies to run, according to consumer advice.
With energy bills predicted to rise by 28% in January and the El Niño weather pattern potentially bringing colder conditions to the UK, many older people on fixed incomes are concerned about keeping warm without running the full central heating system.
Low-Cost Heating Alternatives
Martin Lewis, the money-saving expert, previously issued a guide during the cost of living crisis recommending heated USB gloves, hand warmers, an electric gilet or an electric blanket as cheaper ways to warm up without heating the entire house. The tips remain relevant for anyone facing similar struggles today.
At the time, Lewis said: "I felt sad asking my team to put this together but my email bag is full of folk so desperate they can't put the heat on, I wanted to try some help." He added that the guide was a response to his "overflowing e-mail bag of desperation from people who can't afford their energy bills".
Running Costs and Winter Payments
The guide noted that a cheap electric blanket cost only £14 to buy and around 3p an hour to run, adding up to roughly £1.37 a week if used for seven hours a day. An electric gilet, a heated jacket, cost about £46 to buy and just 4p per week to run, while USB gloves cost £5 to buy and 4p per week to run.
State pensioners are set to receive a Winter Fuel Payment of up to £300 this winter. Those living in council tax bands A to D will also be paid another £100 in January, directly into their bank accounts.
Cold Weather Outlook
The Met Office explained that El Niño, which develops in the Pacific, has the potential to affect UK winter conditions by pushing cold air towards Europe, although this has not been confirmed for this year. The Met Office weather blog said: "Through the latter part of the winter, following a peak in El Niño, the stratospheric polar vortex can become weaker, leading to an increased chance of Sudden Stratospheric Warming events unfurling, increasing the potential for cold weather."
The Met Office added that Sudden Stratospheric Warming events can weaken the jet stream and disrupt Atlantic weather systems, changing the air reaching the UK. It said: "If high pressure becomes established to the north or north east of the UK, colder easterly winds can impinge on the UK. These tend to bring colder, drier air and can produce sleet or snow showers, especially in eastern areas. In other set-ups, northerly winds can bring cold Arctic air southwards, increasing the risk of wintry showers, ice or snow, depending on temperatures and moisture." The impacts can vary widely, with some events followed by notable cold spells while others have little lasting effect on UK weather.
