Households in the UK are being urged to follow a '6pm rule' this October to help save money as energy bills are set to rise for the autumn and winter months. The advice, promoted by personal finance experts including Martin Lewis, involves closing blinds and curtains before sunset to trap heat inside the home.
October brings shorter days across the UK, with the sun setting earlier as the month progresses. On October 25, clocks will go back, making evenings darker even sooner. At the same time, forecasts predict a sharp temperature drop during the month, while the recent energy price cap increase has left many households worried about winter heating costs.
How the 6pm rule works
Martin Lewis instructed households to ensure blinds and curtains are closed before 6pm, as the sun sets just after that time at this stage of the year. The timing should be adjusted depending on where in the month we are. Currently, the sun is setting between 6.30pm and 7pm for most parts of the UK, but this will get earlier as October goes on.
The logic behind the rule is simple: during the day, it is important to let as much sunshine in as possible to naturally heat rooms, and once the sun sets, the aim is to trap that heat. The rule works best with energy-efficient curtains, including thermal or lined window coverings, which help keep heat in after dark.
"I know we all know that, but doing it rigorously can help insulate, especially if you line it with a fleece," Mr Lewis said last year. "There are lots of tips online on how to do that, and really cheaply do it yourself."
Energy price cap increase
The advice comes after the recent energy price cap increase, which has some households concerned. Ofgem said the conflict in the Middle East and the rising wholesale price of oil are largely to blame.
The energy price cap increased to £1,723 a year for the typical household for those not on a fixed tariff and paying by Direct Debit in England, Scotland and Wales. This is up from the £1,663 cap that was in place, an increase of 4%.
Neil Kenward, Ofgem's Director General for Markets, said when announcing the increase: "High international gas prices are continuing to drive energy costs in the UK. We welcome the Government's intervention to remove VAT from electricity bills, without which customers would have faced even higher costs this winter."
He added: "Savings are available by choosing a fixed tariff, which are available at £100 or more below the October price cap, and many suppliers offer tariffs with cheaper electricity to smart meter customers for electricity consumed out of peak times."
