The Energy Saving Trust has highlighted 10 simple changes that could save UK households £313 a year in Great Britain and £368 a year in Northern Ireland. The tips come as energy prices remain high following global disruptions and a 4% rise in Ofgem's price cap from October 1.
Why energy costs are rising
UK households have faced rising energy costs, partly due to the aftermath of US and Israel's attacks on Iran earlier this year. Tehran severely disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation, sending global energy prices soaring. Ofgem's energy price cap rose by 4% from October 1, and experts have warned it could rise considerably more in January.
Cornwall Insight's latest forecast predicts the cap, which sets the maximum amount suppliers are allowed to charge domestic consumers on a standard default tariff per kilowatt hour of energy used, will rise by an additional 16% on January 1. While efforts to lower bills will depend largely on global developments, the Energy Saving Trust, a UK not-for-profit working to promote energy efficiency, says many of the tips are easy to do now.
Tips to cut energy use
The organisation estimates that avoiding the tumble dryer and using a washing line or racks instead can save £50 a year in GB and £60 in NI. Overfilling the kettle can also add unnecessary costs; avoiding it can save around £10 a year in GB and £12 in NI. Installing an aerator on your kitchen tap to reduce water flow could save £20 a year in GB and £18 in NI.
Swapping one bath a week for a four-minute shower could save as much as £10 a year in Great Britain and around £9 in Northern Ireland. Limiting shower time to four minutes could help cut £45 a year from energy bills in both Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Running the dishwasher only when it's full, cutting current use by one run per week, could save £10 a year in GB and £13 in Northern Ireland.
How the savings are calculated
The figures for GB are correct as of July 2026, and the figures for NI as of November 2025. They are based on a typical three-bedroom semi-detached house on a standard energy tariff and paying by direct debit. The organisation notes that many of these changes can be made without major alterations to your home.
