In what will prove welcome news for households around the country, energy prices might finally be due to drop.
Just as the Energy Price Guarantee was due to rise from £2,500 to £3000, energy regulator OFGEM announced that their Energy Price Cap would be being reduced to below where the Guarantee originally stood.
Energy customers will be paying whichever rate is the least – meaning a 17% saving for those on typical-use energy bills.
The new cap will stand at £2,074, which is £426 less than the EPG first introduced by Liz Truss’ government last year and down on the previous Price Cap of £3280 introduced in April.
According to Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis, those on prepayment meters are likely to see a slightly larger drop.
Now that the Energy Price Cap is coming down, how can you ensure that your energy bills stay as low as possible in the run-up to summer?
Here are some top tips.
How to lower your energy costs
Experts have cautioned that even though energy bills may decrease in the upcoming months, households should still prepare for higher-than-normal prices this year, particularly as winter approaches.
As such, using the warmer summer months will be vital in cutting down bills in preparation.
Don’t overfill your kettle
If you’re taking time out for a tea break, only fill the kettle with the water you need. Overfilling your kettle will not only use unnecessary energy but also delay your much-needed brew!
Don’t forget, for the perfect cup of tea, you should only be using ‘freshly drawn water’ anyway!
Draught-proof your home
Hopefully, you won’t resort to turning on the heating much over the summer. However, let’s face it – this is the United Kingdom, and stranger things have happened.
To try and increase the chances of this not happening, it’s always best to ensure your home is well-insulated.
Self-adhesive strips are a simple and inexpensive way to help stop draughty windows from lowering the temperature.
Draught excluders at the bottom of doors are also a great idea.
Make the most of summer cuisine
Heading into the summer months means you can ditch the hearty winter comfort food for some cooler summer cuisine… and save on your energy bill in the process!
Look to fresh salads, a ploughman’s lunch, sandwiches, dips and celery, and other meals that don’t require cooking but will still go down a treat on a summer’s eve.
Switch off the lights
The days are getting longer, and, as a happy side effect, you can often go without switching the lights on until much later into the night.
Leave the curtains open, make the most of the natural light for as long as you can, and try to swap out any lightbulbs you have for more efficient LED bulbs.
Turn the temperature down when washing and drying
As temperatures rise and heatwaves become more common, you may want to rely less on your spin dryer. Instead, take advantage of the fresh summer breeze by opening windows and doors or using your outdoor space to air dry your clothes without using electricity.
Many wash cycles can also be reduced in temperature, with modern detergents working just as well during cooler washes.
Try a colder shower
On warm summer days, a lukewarm shower is often just what you need to cool off.
Some dermatologists have also talked of the benefits of taking a colder shower, with other alleged health benefits including increased circulation and muscle recovery.
During the summer, you can reduce the time you have the water heater on by opting for colder showers.
MORE : 12 tips to save money on your holiday – from flights to sightseeing
MORE : Renting: Eight expert tips to save money as renters face rising prices
MORE : Seven easy food swaps to save money on your groceries
Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Share your views in the comments below
Sign up to our guide to what’s on in London, trusted reviews, brilliant offers and competitions. London’s best bits in your inbox
Privacy Policy
For all the latest Lifestyle News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
