With the British summer in full swing and many households turning down the heating, it is tempting to forget about last winter's costly energy bills. However, a consumer expert is warning against complacency, advising that now is not the time to take your eye off the ball. Simple steps are available to reduce future bills ahead of an anticipated hike in energy costs later this year.
From October 1, the cap on the per unit price of energy is expected to jump by 12 per cent to £1,762 annually for the average household. This increase will negate the seven per cent reduction that took effect on July 1, leading to an average rise of nearly £200 just as the winter chill sets in. Currently, most UK households are on standard variable tariffs governed by the energy price cap.
Ben Gallizzi, Uswitch energy expert, emphasised: '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.'
Simple measures include turning off the heating during warmer weather, which can help save money or accumulate credit with your energy provider. Drying clothes outdoors instead of using tumble dryers is another effective tip. Uswitch also suggests that now could be a good time to secure a fixed deal before the forecasted price surge.
Households can track their energy usage using apps such as Utrack by Uswitch to see the impact of their changes. With the price cap set to rise in October, those on standard variable tariffs or nearing the end of a fixed deal should compare options to weigh up their choices.
